From Cannes to City Hall: How Mira Nair's Son Zohran Mamdani Made History as New York's First Muslim Mayor

In 1988, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair attended the Cannes Film Festival for her film Salaam Bombay, accompanied by her mother, Praveen Nair. Amidst the sea of luxury couture, Praveen stood out in her traditional saree, causing curious paparazzi to inquire if she was an actress. Her memorable response—"I am the producer of the director"—left a lasting impression.

Now, 37 years later, Mira Nair, aged 68, has revisited this poignant moment while introducing herself as the "producer of the candidate."

Her son, Zohran Mamdani, has made history by winning New York's mayoral elections, becoming the city's first Muslim mayor. His achievement marks multiple milestones as he is also the first person of South Asian descent and the first African-born individual to hold this prestigious position.

During a conversation with Vogue India and filmmaker Bijoy Shetty, it was observed that themes of identity and belonging that permeate Nair's films are also central to her son's political vision.

Nair expressed profound admiration for Mamdani's perspective, stating, "I feel like Zohran brings us to a new dawn and a new day." She admired his articulation and noted that he "embodies the multiplicity of the worlds in him without apology, and actually with great celebration." According to Nair, her son's visionary approach centers on equality, justice, and respect for working people rather than power.

Reflecting on her mother's famous quote from the 1988 Cannes Film Festival—"I'm the producer of the director"—Nair now proudly declares, "I'm the producer of the candidate."

Born to Mira Nair and Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran Mamdani triumphed over former New York Governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the mayoral election. Celebrating her son's victory, Nair shared filmmaker Zoya Akhtar's Instagram story with the caption "Zohran, you beauty."

When Zohran Mamdani takes office on January 1, he will become New York's youngest mayor, adding another remarkable chapter to this family's legacy of breaking barriers.