Meet Zohran Mamdani, Director, Mira Nair's Son, Mayoral Candidate, Ex-Musician, Controversial Views

Zohram Kwame Mamdani is an American politician of Indian descent. He has served as a member of the New York Assembly for almost four years and is now set to take the chair of mayor. The New York City candidate has built his name from the ground up, questioning everything he deemed wrong, and now he is on the run to make a difference in the city of dreams with his undeterred spirit.

Zohram Mamdani made headlines with his candidacy announcement in October 2024. The politician has joined the run with a promise to support and promote the local business and work for the people. However, as he moves up the political ladder, the intrigue in his personal life also increases. So, let us take a look at Zohram's journey so far.

Zohram Mamdani's early life and parentage 

Zohran Mamdani was born on October 19, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an Indian-Ugandan colonialism and post-colonial studies professor at Columbia University, author and political commentator. He was of Gujarati Muslim descent. His mother, Mira Nair, on the other hand, is an Indian-American filmmaker. She is well known for her works, including Mississippi Masala, The Namesake and the Golden Lion-winning Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay! Zohran's father gave him the middle name 'Kwame' after the revolutionary first prime minister of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah.

The politician brings a rich culture, combining Indian and Ugandan roots. Zohran is a Shia-Muslim and has proudly embraced his values and culture even as a candidate in the mayoral race. His family moved to Cape Town when he was five years old, where he attended St. George's Grammar School while his father worked at the University of Cape Town. However, when he was seven, they moved to New York City, where he graduated from the Bank Street School for Children and then the Bronx High School of Science. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Africana Studies in 2014 from Bowdoin College, where he also co-founded the school's chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.

Early career as a musician and entry into politics

Before Zohran Mamdani ran for office, he worked as a foreclosure prevention and housing counsellor in Queens. He helped the low-income houseowners of colour across the county fight off eviction and keep their homes. According to several reports, it was his experience with them that inspired his entry into politics. However, Zohran was not only politically apt, but he was also a fan of hip-hop music and made his own rap songs.

It was in 2016 when the politician released his collaboration with Ugandan rapper, HAB, on the EP Sidda Mukyaalo, Luganda (language), which roughly translates to No Going Back To The Village. However, he didn't perform under his legal name but an alias, 'Young Cardamom' and 'Mr. Cardamom'. In 2019, he released a single titled, Nani under the latter name and the music video featured cookbook author and actress, Madhur Jaffrey as his grandmother. 

However, for Zohran, his actual calling was in politics. He started his political career as a volunteer for Ali Najimi's campaign in the 2015 special election for New York City's 23rd City Council district. In 2017, he joined the Democratic Socialists of America and worked for the New York City Council candidate, Khader El-Yateem. He worked on the sidelines for the next five years, strengthening his roots in the game.

Zohran Mamdani's political rise

It was in 2019 when Zohran Mamdani first announced his candidacy for the New York State Assembly in the 36th district. He ran for the Democratic Socialists of America and in June 2020 won the primary victory over four-term Democratic, Aravella Simotas. He also won the general elections with no Republican opposition in November 2020. His dedication further got him elected in 2022 and 2024. However, in October 2024, Zohran decided to broaden his horizons and announced his candidacy for mayor. 

Zohran Mamdani's controversial remarks on Israel and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi

Zohran became a vocal advocate of Palestinian rights and participated in hunger strikes, proposed bills to prevent NYC from funding any sort of support to Israeli violence. His criticism of their policies resulted in a debate online and among voters. Further, his use of phrases like 'globalise the intifada' drew criticism from Jewish organisations. He was also branded 'anti-Hindu' by some groups for his comments on Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, calling him the reason why 'Gujarati Muslims' don't exist. In recent times, Zohran once again became a part of the controversy for his criticism of the US airstrike on Iran, calling it a 'dark new chapter in American lawlessness'. 

Zohran Mamdani's marriage to Rama Duwaji

Zohran Mamdani didn't just get promoted in the professional field, but also upped his game in his personal life. The politician tied the knot with Syrian-born Brooklyn artist, Rama Duwaji, in a private nikkah ceremony on December 22, 2024, which was followed by a civil ceremony at NYC's City Clerk Office in early 2025. His wedding stirred an online debate. However, he quickly shut them down by urging New Yorkers to focus on policy, not personal matters.

image credit @karamccurdy

Zohran Mamdani has truly challenged and changed the American political scene. What are your thoughts on his journey? Let us know.

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