NEW YORK: Zohran Mamdani, New York’s newly elected mayor, has been besotted with Bollywood cinema for long. His mother, internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, spoke about the fascination of her son in a recent interview.
Mira Nair said Mamdani grew up with a keen appreciation for movies, especially Bollywood classics. “Zohran watched the Bollywood hit Munnabhai MBBS sixteen times with his grandfather. It was his favourite film growing up,” she said. She added that Zoya Akhtar’s Luck By Chance was also among his preferred movies.
“The mayor-elect’s interest in movies, Nair said, has shaped his character and family life. She remembered one of the early instances when Mamdani, then 14 years old gave her career advice on a major career decision. When Nair was contemplating the opportunity to direct the internationally acclaimed Harry Potter film franchise, Zohran asked her to stay with her own project, The Namesake. “He wisely said, ‘Mom, many directors can do Harry Potter, but only you can make The Namesake.’ His counsel helped me make a clear decision,” Nair said.
Despite having been exposed to the film industry so early in his life, Mamdani did not decide to act in any films. Even when Nair approached him with the lead in her series A Suitable Boy, he declined it, showing that he did indeed keep his distance from the cinematic limelight.
Mira Nair highlighted that Mamdani’s love for films was always out of appreciation, never as a result of professional compulsions. “He never chased stardom, but his engagement with cinema has shaped his creativity and perspective,” she said.
The mayor-elect’s love of Bollywood reflects a mélange of cultural influences in his childhood. Nair, herself a product of both Indian and international cinema, called her son a “global treasure” who could appreciate storylines from various cultures.
As Nair describes it, “Zohran Mamdani’s cinematic interests speak to his curious and thoughtful nature-from repeating favorite films multiple times to offering considered advice on his mother’s career, his engagement with the world of cinema reflects both passion and maturity. As New York is ready to welcome Mamdani as its next mayor, the formative years and personal interests of this history professor provide insight into the cultural and intellectual influences that have shaped this young leader’s worldview. His love for Bollywood, along with having been meaningfully engaged in art and storytelling, are arguably appealing aspects that will influence his practice of public service and leadership.
We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com
Comments are closed.