In a mayoral race packed with political heavyweights, one candidate is creating ripples with a strategy straight from Bollywood’s playbook – combining cinematic nostalgia, grassroots activism and unapologetic socialism.
Mr Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old son of celebrated Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan-born academic Mahmood Mamdani, is now being seen as a serious contender to become New York City’s next mayor after the election on June 24, reported The Indian Express.
And he’s doing it by invoking Roti, Kapda aur Makaan – the famous 1974 Bollywood film, whose title means “Food, Clothing and Shelter”– as a campaign slogan, reframing it for NYC’s working class in the age of inflation, housing insecurity and inequality.
Born in Kampala and raised in Cape Town before moving to New York at age seven, Mr Zohran’s upbringing was global and grounded in activism. His mother is best known for directing Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake. His father is a Marxist scholar.
Before entering politics, Mr Zohran worked as a housing counsellor. He won a seat in the New York State Assembly representing Queens’ 36th District in 2020, running as a Democratic Socialist. Re-elected twice, he built a reputation as a champion of tenant rights, public transport access and economic justice.
Mr Zohran’s mayoral campaign – announced in October 2024 after federal investigations into incumbent Mayor Eric Adams – has taken the city by storm with its unique flair.
In one viral campaign video, he rewrites a famous Deewar scene. Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic line “Aaj mere paas buildingein hain, property hai…” is interrupted. The screen cuts to Mr Zohran in Shah Rukh Khan’s signature pose: arms wide open, declaring: “Aap” – I have the people.
The music is Deewangi Deewangi from Om Shanti Om, while Kishore Kumar’s voice from Karz explains ranked-choice voting. Lassi, the humble Indian drink, stars in a light-hearted analogy. This is not your average political ad. It’s a cultural statement – and a rallying cry.
His message is simple: Billionaires already have everything. It’s time for working-class New Yorkers to have their moment.
If elected, Mr Zohran would become the city’s first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor, reported the Hindustan Times. He is running on a bold platform: free bus rides, city-run grocery stores, rent freezes and a US$30 minimum wage by 2030.
He supports taxing the wealthy to fund social programmes – an idea that has sparked backlash from business leaders. But it’s also won him a loyal following among young voters, immigrants and progressive activists. His campaign boasts over 20,000 volunteers canvassing across boroughs.
Recently, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed him, calling him the “strongest candidate to lead a coalition of working-class New Yorkers”. The endorsement could prove pivotal, giving Mr Zohran a significant edge with younger and left-leaning voters.
Mr Zohran’s main rival is Mr Andrew Cuomo, the former governor making a controversial return to public life. Polls show Mr Cuomo narrowly leading in first-choice rankings, but Mr Zohran is closing in, especially due to the ranked-choice voting system used in the June 24 Democratic primary.
In a recent debate, Mr Zohran pulled no punches, calling Mr Cuomo “corrupt” and himself “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare – a progressive, Muslim immigrant.” His bluntness has energised supporters and rattled political opponents.
However, Mr Zohran’s rise has not been without controversy. His outspoken support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza and vow to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters NYC have drawn sharp criticism from pro-Israel groups and Jewish voters.
Indian-American leaders have also raised concerns. After Mr Zohran said he would not attend a Modi rally, New York State Assembly member Jenifer Rajkumar responded: “Hindu voters want our leaders to build bridges, not burn them.” Human rights lawyer Jaspreet Singh accused Mr Zohran of pitting Hindus and Muslims against each other.
Adding to the tension, far-right activist Laura Loomer took to social media warning: “Get ready for another 9/11,” calling Mr Zohran a “pro-Hamas Muslim socialist”. Her remarks were widely condemned as Islamophobic.
Despite the polarising commentary, Mr Zohran’s campaign is resonating. His ability to blend culture and politics – using Bollywood, Hinglish and humour – has helped him connect with diverse communities.
More than 350,000 Muslim voters are registered in NYC, and Mr Zohran is actively courting this base. “This June 24, we can tell the world that Muslims don’t just belong in New York City. We belong in City Hall,” he said at a recent rally.
Yet, analysts caution that Mr Zohran needs to expand beyond his progressive base to secure a win. “A third of New Yorkers still haven’t heard of us,” he admitted. “That’s actually a good thing – it means we have room to grow.”
