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

Nov 05, 2025 10:05 pm CST

Renowned filmmaker Mira Nair reveals how her 14-year-old son Zohran Mamdani's advice led her to decline directing "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" in favor of "The Namesake." Years later, that same son has made history as New York City's first Muslim mayor, while Nair's artistic integrity continues to define her distinguished career in cinema.