Filmmaker Mira Nair Celebrates Son Zohran Mamdani's Historic Victory as New York's Youngest Mayor

Filmmaker Mira Nair with son Zohran Mamdani.

Award-winning Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair shared her reaction to her son's political triumph by reposting acclaimed director Zoya Akhtar's celebratory Instagram story on Tuesday. Akhtar's post enthusiastically declared "Zohran you beauty" with heart and firework emojis, announcing that "Zohran Mamdani has officially won the NYC mayoral race at 34 years old".

This social media celebration followed the significant news that New Yorkers had elected the young progressive Mamdani as their next mayor. His victory came alongside Democratic wins in two key state governor races, sending an early political message to President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, comes from a distinguished lineage as the son of celebrated historian Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair, the filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed "Salaam Bombay!" During his campaign, some critics labeled him a "nepo baby," referencing his famous parentage.

In a significant win for the progressive wing of the Democratic party, Mamdani successfully defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

During his victory speech to an enthusiastic crowd, Mamdani addressed the unconventional nature of his candidacy: "The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this."

He framed his victory as a triumph for working-class New Yorkers struggling with economic challenges. "New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change," he declared, promising to "wake up each morning with a singular purpose: To make this city better for you than it was the day before."

The victory celebration in Brooklyn saw emotional scenes as supporters cheered and embraced when The Associated Press announced Mamdani's win. Campaign posters flew through the air while someone raised the official New York City flag, all accompanied by Bad Bunny's music playing through speakers.

In contrast, the atmosphere at Cuomo's event in midtown Manhattan was subdued. During his concession speech, a defiant Cuomo characterized his campaign as "a caution flag that we are headed down a dangerous, dangerous road" and pointed out that "almost half of New Yorkers did not vote to support a government agenda that makes promises that we know cannot be met."

(With inputs from foreign agencies)