Zohran Mamdani’s name and face have dominated the headlines in the last 24 hours, following his historic election as the next mayor of New York City. But while many are now learning about his political career, a surprising number of people are realizing that they already recognize him—from the entertainment world.
Mamdani, 34, will make history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, the first mayor of South Asian heritage, the first born in Africa, and the youngest mayor in over a century. He officially takes office on January 1. The mayoral race drew more than two million New Yorkers to the polls, marking the largest turnout in more than 50 years, according to the city’s Board of Elections. On November 5, it was revealed that Mamdani had defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a decisive victory.
While his political accomplishments are now widely reported, many are suddenly realizing Mamdani may look familiar because of his connection to the entertainment industry—a part of his background that has gone largely unnoticed until now.
A Famous Filmmaker Mother
Mamdani’s mother is Mira Nair, a critically acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker. At 68, she has directed films including Salaam Bombay!, Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake, and Vanity Fair. Nair has long been celebrated for her ability to tell complex, culturally rich stories with universal appeal.
Her 1991 film Mississippi Masala, starring Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury, won Best Original Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival, cementing her status in global cinema. Over the years, Nair’s work has earned international recognition, and she has mentored a generation of filmmakers while continuing to produce thought-provoking content.
In 2004, Nair revealed that Warner Bros had offered her the chance to direct Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. While this would have been a major milestone, she declined in order to focus on The Namesake, a project that had personal significance. Nair credited her son for influencing that decision.
“He said to me, ‘Mama, many good directors can make Harry Potter, but only you can make The Namesake,’” she recalled. This story not only illustrates Mamdani’s early engagement with creative thinking but also highlights the unique upbringing that exposed him to storytelling and media production from a young age.
A Footstep in Acting
Zohran Mamdani didn’t just grow up around films—he participated in them. In 2016, he appeared in the Disney movie Queen of Katwe, directed by his mother. He played a small role as a ‘Bookie Student’ alongside Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong’o, and David Oyelowo. While the role was minor, it showed that Mamdani had firsthand experience on a professional film set, giving him a taste of performing arts at a high level.
But Mamdani’s involvement in Queen of Katwe went beyond acting. He helped curate and produce the soundtrack for the film and was listed in the credits as a “third assistant director.” Additionally, he performed a rap song on the soundtrack under the name Young Cardamom. The track, titled “#1 Spice,” highlighted his creativity and willingness to explore multiple aspects of a production.
Queen of Katwe premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and later released in cinemas in late 2016. The film went on to earn several nominations, including a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Actor for Madina Nalwanga. Based on a true story, it follows Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, who rises to become the country’s top chess player. Mamdani’s involvement in the film, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, places him in a unique position among politicians—one who has experience in entertainment, music production, and film direction.
Why This Matters
The revelation about Mamdani’s entertainment background offers an intriguing perspective on the mayor-elect. It paints a picture of a well-rounded individual who has experienced life in multiple spheres—from international cinema to the high-stakes world of New York City politics. His upbringing under the guidance of a renowned filmmaker gave him an early exposure to storytelling, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
For many voters, learning about Mamdani’s connection to the film industry adds another layer of relatability. People may recognize him subconsciously from Queen of Katwe or his work on the soundtrack, which explains why his face seems familiar even before people knew his political achievements. It’s a reminder that politicians often have rich, diverse backgrounds that go far beyond campaign speeches and policy proposals.
Watching Mamdani in Action
For those curious to see Mamdani’s past work, Queen of Katwe is available for streaming on Disney+, and it can also be rented on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Watching the film provides insight not only into Mamdani’s early creative experiences but also into his mother’s profound influence on his upbringing and worldview.
It’s clear that Mamdani’s unique upbringing has contributed to his worldview as a politician, helping him develop empathy, creativity, and a broad cultural understanding—qualities that will likely influence his approach as mayor.
A Mayor With a Multi-Faceted Background
Zohran Mamdani’s journey from a young boy on a film set to New York City’s highest office demonstrates the value of diverse experiences. Unlike many politicians, he hasn’t been confined to a single sphere of life. His exposure to the arts, storytelling, and music production gives him a distinctive perspective on leadership, one that balances creativity with social awareness and policy-driven goals.
As the first Muslim mayor of New York City, Mamdani represents a significant milestone in the city’s history. His South Asian heritage and African birth also highlight the evolving diversity of leadership in urban centers. Combining that historical significance with his background in entertainment, Mamdani embodies a new kind of public figure—one who is not only politically astute but also culturally literate and creatively engaged.
This multifaceted background could also make him more effective in communicating with constituents. Politicians with experience in media and entertainment often have a heightened ability to convey complex ideas in ways that are relatable to the public. Mamdani’s early experiences working on film sets and producing music may well give him an edge in presenting his vision for the city in compelling, accessible ways.
Looking Ahead
As New Yorkers prepare to welcome Zohran Mamdani into office, the city stands on the cusp of historic change. Beyond policy debates and campaign promises, there is a larger cultural conversation taking place—one about identity, representation, and what it means to lead in a diverse metropolis. Mamdani’s background in entertainment may seem surprising to some, but it also underscores the importance of well-rounded experiences in shaping capable, empathetic leaders.
Ultimately, Zohran Mamdani’s story shows that leadership can come from unexpected places. From acting in a Disney film and performing music to navigating the political landscape of New York City, he has cultivated a unique skill set that combines creativity, social awareness, and civic responsibility. For voters and observers alike, it’s a reminder that the people we choose to lead are shaped by the sum of all their experiences—not just what we see in headlines or campaign ads.
By connecting his early exposure to film and music with his current political achievements, Mamdani is already redefining what it means to be a modern mayor: culturally fluent, historically significant, and equipped with a diverse range of skills that extend far beyond traditional politics. As his term begins on January 1, New Yorkers will not only be witnessing a historic election result—they will be watching a mayor whose life story is as rich and multi-layered as the city he is about to lead.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
