New York Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Shows Bollywood Knowledge in Viral Shah Rukh Khan Moment

Zohran Mamdani successfully identified the hit song "Chaiyya Chaiyya" but had difficulty recognizing other Bollywood classics during a recent interview.

New York's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will assume office on January 1, 2026. As the youngest individual in over a century to lead America's largest city prepares for his new role, he participated in an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan.

On the show 'Mehdi Unfiltered', the 34-year-old discussed his plans to enhance affordability in New York City, his transition process, and the political pressures he faces. Followers of his campaign would be aware of his strong affinity for Bollywood.

During the interview, the Democratic-socialist participated in a Bollywood song recognition challenge. While his performance wasn't perfect, he demonstrated his devotion as a Shah Rukh Khan enthusiast.

Mamdani correctly recognized "Chaiyya Chaiyya" from the 1998 film Dil Se starring Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, but struggled with other famous songs like "It's the Time to Disco" from Kal Ho Naa Ho and "Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna" from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.

When Hasan played the DDLJ track, Mamdani seemed to have a vague recollection but couldn't name the song. Nevertheless, he perfectly executed Shah Rukh Khan's iconic pose, bringing smiles to everyone present.

Hasan quickly observed that the Mayor-elect was unfamiliar with the song and was simply buying time.

Mamdani's appreciation for Bollywood has been evident throughout his career. After concluding his victory speech earlier this month, organizers played "Dhoom Machale" from the 2004 film Dhoom, creating a viral moment.

As the music played in the background, Mamdani was observed waving to supporters before approaching his wife, Rama Duwaji, for an embrace. Subsequently, he was joined on stage by his parents, Professor Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair.

In his conversation with Hasan, Mamdani also revealed that he was receiving uninvited advice from family members, including uncles, as he prepared for office. He additionally discussed his intention to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in his administration.

He expressed significant concerns regarding the security of his phone number and addressed the increasing normalization of Islamophobia in society.

Mamdani offered a compelling observation about American politics, stating that Republicans approach politics with an expansive imagination, while Democrats often seem constrained by limited possibilities.

"Republicans, they have a sense of imagination that is ever-expanding. It can extend to purchasing Greenland. And Democrats, it feels as if we are often in an exercise of an ever-lowering ceiling of possibility," he remarked.

Mamdani's affordability agenda encompasses plans to freeze rents, provide free city bus services, and establish five government-subsidized grocery stores, among other initiatives.