The New Mayor’s Surprising Hollywood Past
Zohran Mamdani is set to become the new mayor of New York City — but before politics, his life looked a lot different.
The 34-year-old Democrat just made history as NYC’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, but many people don’t realize he’s also the son of acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, known for Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake, and Mississippi Masala.
Thanks to his mother’s Hollywood connections, Mamdani had an unexpected start in the entertainment world. In fact, back in 2016, he appeared in Disney’s Queen of Katwe — a true-story drama about Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi.
In the film, Mamdani played a “Brookie student,” while also working behind the scenes as third assistant director and music supervisor. He even performed a song for the movie’s soundtrack, titled #1 Spice, under the stage name Young Cardamom.
Fast-forward to today — Mamdani has traded his movie set for City Hall. On November 4, he won the mayoral race against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, securing 50.4% of the vote.
Not everyone is thrilled with the results, though. Rapper 50 Cent criticized his proposed tax increase for high-income earners, posting an AI-generated tombstone image reading: “RIP NYC. Founded 1624. Died 2025.”
Even Donald Trump chimed in on Truth Social, warning that federal funding could be cut if “Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani” took office.
Mamdani, however, fired back in his victory speech:
“If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it’s the city that gave rise to him. So, Donald Trump — since I know you’re watching — I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
Come January 1, Zohran Mamdani officially becomes the new mayor of New York City — from Disney cameo to City Hall, it’s one plot twist no one saw coming. 🎬🏙️