How Mira Nair Chose "The Namesake" Over Harry Potter on Her Son's Advice: A Journey of Artistic Integrity and Family Legacy

Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair declined an opportunity to direct "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" following the thoughtful advice of her son, Zohran Mamdani, who was just 14 years old at the time.

During a session at the 2018 Jaipur Literature Festival, the Oscar-nominated director shared how Warner Brothers had approached her to direct the fourth Harry Potter film, representing a significant blockbuster opportunity. However, she was simultaneously passionate about adapting Jhumpa Lahiri's novel "The Namesake." When faced with this difficult decision, she sought counsel from her teenage son.

"Mama, many good directors can make Harry Potter, but only you can make The Namesake," Zohran told her.

Nair described this moment as "liberating and clarifying."

"It was such a liberating and clarifying statement, and it kind of is about how I have lived my life. You know, like, what can I do that is so specific that you cannot do? How to make my distinctiveness my calling card in a sense, how to trust my own instinct, because really, instinct is the only thing that is particular to each one of us and that defines me, or you, or anyone else you see," she explained.

"The Namesake" went on to achieve considerable critical acclaim. Released in 2006, the film portrays the story of a Bengali immigrant family in the United States, exploring profound themes of identity, family relationships, and loss.

The movie, featuring Kal Penn, Tabu, and the late Irrfan Khan, received praise for its nuanced depiction of the immigrant experience and the universal struggle of belonging.

"The Namesake" premiered at the New York Film Festival and was subsequently featured at festivals in Toronto, London, and Telluride. It garnered widespread acclaim, winning the Golden Aphrodite at the Love is Folly International Film Festival, earned a place on the National Board of Review's Top Independent Films of 2007 list, and received numerous other nominations.

Now in 2025, Zohran Mamdani has established his own remarkable career, becoming New York City's 111th mayor and making history as the first Muslim to lead the city.

On Tuesday, Mira Nair celebrated her son's historic achievement by resharing director Zoya Akhtar's Instagram story praising him with the caption "Zohran you beauty" accompanied by heart and fireworks emojis.

She also drew a meaningful parallel between her experience at Cannes in 1988 and her son's recent victory. During the "Salaam Bombay!" screening at Cannes, her mother introduced herself to photographers as "the producer of the director." Now, in an interview with Vogue India, Nair humorously referred to herself as "the producer of the candidate" following Mamdani's election.