How Bollywood and Hindi Are Powering Mira Nair’s Son Zohran Mamdani’s

The Democratic primary for mayor of New York City has brought into focus a unique and culturally rich campaign led by Zohran Kwame Mamdani — a 33-year-old progressive candidate with deep ties to the city’s South Asian community and a background steeped in art, activism, and academia. But what sets Mamdani apart in this crowded field is the way he has ingeniously embraced Bollywood and Hindi as part of his political messaging, bridging his cultural heritage with the realities of urban American life.

A Political Campaign Rooted in Heritage

Zohran Mamdani is the son of Mira Nair, the internationally acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker known for her works like Salaam Bombay! and Monsoon Wedding, which explore themes of identity, migration, and social justice. Growing up in an environment that celebrated storytelling and cultural nuances, Mamdani developed a nuanced understanding of how narratives shape perceptions and communities.

This cultural grounding became a foundation for his political journey. Running as a democratic socialist and a member of the New York City Council from Queens, Mamdani’s mayoral campaign has tapped into the power of Bollywood cinema — a ubiquitous cultural force among South Asians worldwide — to communicate his vision and connect emotionally with voters. His campaign has revived one of the most iconic lines from the 1975 Bollywood classic Deewar, a film that resonated deeply with immigrant and working-class audiences in India and abroad.

“Mere Paas Awaam Hai”: Reclaiming a Bollywood Classic

One of Mamdani’s campaign videos went viral after he reinterpreted a famous scene from Deewar where the antagonist, played by Shashi Kapoor, boasts to his brother, “Mere paas maa hai” (“I have mother”). In Mamdani’s version, he declares, “Mere paas awaam hai” (“I have the people”). This clever twist not only pays homage to the cinematic legacy but also underlines a core populist message: his strength lies in the collective support of ordinary New Yorkers.

By delivering this message in Hindi, Mamdani has consciously embraced linguistic representation often missing in mainstream American politics. This strategy has resonated particularly with the city’s large South Asian diaspora, which includes Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Nepali communities. In New York City alone, South Asians number over half a million, making them a significant and growing voting bloc.

Bollywood as a Cultural Bridge

Bollywood films have long served as cultural glue among South Asians living far from home, preserving language, customs, and collective memory. Mamdani’s use of Bollywood references — from video snippets to campaign posters featuring Hindi slogans — leverages this shared cultural capital to build a sense of belonging among voters who might otherwise feel politically marginalized.

Moreover, Bollywood's themes of family, justice, and resistance dovetail with Mamdani’s political platform, which emphasizes economic justice, affordable housing, and social equity. His campaign promises include rent freezes to combat skyrocketing housing costs, expansion of free public transit, universal childcare programs, and establishing city-run grocery stores to ensure affordable access to food.

These issues are particularly poignant in immigrant and working-class neighborhoods, where housing insecurity and rising costs disproportionately affect South Asian and other minority communities. By framing his policies in a cultural context familiar to many voters, Mamdani is creating a compelling narrative of empowerment and hope.

Identity Politics and Broader Outreach

While Mamdani’s Bollywood-infused messaging has energized many South Asian voters, it is also a calculated political move in a city where identity politics often shape electoral outcomes. By embracing his heritage publicly, Mamdani is signaling inclusivity and representation for communities that frequently feel sidelined in American politics.

However, this approach comes with challenges. Critics argue that such identity-focused strategies risk alienating other ethnic groups or deepening communal divides. Some voices within the Indian diaspora have raised concerns that Mamdani’s rhetoric may sometimes veer toward divisiveness, especially given his outspoken critiques on international issues like Israel-Palestine, which are sensitive topics among New Yorkers of various backgrounds.

Balancing cultural pride with a unifying political agenda will be crucial if Mamdani hopes to broaden his appeal beyond South Asians and connect with the wider electorate of more than 8.8 million New Yorkers.

The Intersection of Culture and Progressive Politics

Mamdani’s campaign also exemplifies the increasing role of cultural identity in progressive political movements. His democratic socialist values — advocating for wealth redistribution, universal social services, and labor rights — align with a growing trend of minority candidates leveraging cultural narratives to promote progressive change.

This synthesis of culture and politics is not unique to Mamdani but reflects a broader shift in American urban politics, where candidates from immigrant backgrounds use their heritage as a source of strength and authenticity. For voters tired of traditional politics, Mamdani’s campaign offers a fresh and relatable vision grounded in both cultural identity and progressive ideals.

The Influence of Mira Nair and Family Legacy

Behind Mamdani’s campaign lies the subtle but profound influence of his mother, Mira Nair. Known for exploring themes of migration, identity, and social justice through her films, Nair has long been a voice for the South Asian diaspora, challenging stereotypes and promoting nuanced storytelling.

Though she has not formally endorsed Mamdani’s mayoral bid, her legacy permeates his approach — from the use of Hindi and Bollywood symbolism to an emphasis on narratives that uplift marginalized voices. Nair’s work has often highlighted the struggles and resilience of ordinary people, a theme that Mamdani echoes in his campaign promise to fight for “roti, kapda aur makaan” — the basic necessities of life: food, clothing, and shelter.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the innovative campaign, Mamdani faces significant hurdles. New York City’s political landscape is notoriously competitive, with candidates drawing support from a wide array of constituencies. His progressive policies, such as rent freezes and a $30 minimum wage, face criticism from opponents who argue they may have unintended economic consequences.

Moreover, Mamdani’s vocal stances on international affairs, including criticism of Israeli policies, have sparked controversy and risk alienating parts of the electorate. Navigating these complex political waters will require him to balance his activist roots with the pragmatism needed to govern a city as multifaceted as New York.

A New Chapter in New York Politics

Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign is emblematic of a changing political era in New York City — one that embraces multiculturalism, progressive ideals, and the power of storytelling. By harnessing Bollywood and Hindi, Mamdani is not only energizing South Asian voters but also challenging traditional political narratives.

Whether or not he wins, Mamdani’s campaign has already made an impact by broadening the cultural discourse in one of the world’s most diverse cities. It is a reminder that politics, at its heart, is about connection — and sometimes, a well-placed Bollywood reference can do just that.