Social media users have just discovered that Zohran Mamdani starred in a Disney movie nine years ago.
The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, who recently became the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, is also the son of acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, known for directing Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay!.
It turns out, Mamdani’s ties to Hollywood go beyond his famous mother - with his own surprising role in the movie industry.
Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji, after it was confirmed that he was elected as the mayor of NYC. Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty
Zohran Mamdani's Cameo in Queen of Katwe
In 2016, Mamdani appeared in Disney’s Queen of Katwe, a film based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young Ugandan girl who rose from a humble background to become a world chess champion.
The young mayor, who worked behind the scenes as the third assistant director and music supervisor, also played a small role in the film as a "Bookie Student".
Beyond acting, Mamdani also contributed to the film’s soundtrack, performing a rap song titled '#1 Spice' under the name Young Cardamom, which even had a music video featuring Lupita Nyong’o and his mother, Mira Nair.
A Big Career Move Rejected Thanks to Mamdani
Mamdani’s influence extended to his mother’s career as well. In a 2018 interview, Nair revealed that her son persuaded her to turn down a Harry Potter directing gig offered by Warner Bros.
According to the 68-year-old, her son encouraged her to pass on the massive opportunity in favor of directing The Namesake, a film based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel about the immigrant experience.
Nair recalled: "He said to me, ‘Mama, many good directors can make Harry Potter, but only you can make The Namesake,'" per Screenrant.
Mamdani also played a pivotal role in advising his mother on casting choices, including recommending Kal Penn for a role in The Namesake, after watching Penn’s performance in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.
Mamdani with his mom, Mira Nair, at the 'Queen Of Katwe' Virgin Atlantic Gala. Credit: John Phillips / Getty
Mamdani’s Victory and Trump’s Backlash
While the new mayor's ties to Hollywood may surprise some, his political victory has sparked even more attention.
On November 4, Mamdani triumphed in a race against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, securing 50.4% of the vote.
However, his win wasn’t celebrated by everyone. President Donald Trump, who had backed Cuomo, took to Truth Social hours after the results to post a cryptic message: “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”
Before the election, the 79-year-old had threatened to limit federal funding to the city if Mamdani won, writing: “If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required.”
Mamdani, who has made a name for himself with his progressive policies aimed at making New York more affordable, addressed the president directly in his victory speech: “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.
"This is not only how we stop Trump. It’s how we stop the next one. So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: 'Turn the volume up,'” he added.