Zohran Mamdani has dominated headlines in the past 24 hours after being elected as the next mayor of New York City.
But while many are getting to know him as a groundbreaking political figure, others are realizing they’ve seen him before, in a completely different arena.
A Historic Win for New York City
At just 34 years old, Mamdani’s victory marks a historic moment for New York.
When he officially takes office on January 1, he will become the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian heritage, the first mayor born in Africa, and the youngest person to hold the position in more than a century.
The election drew over two million voters, the highest turnout in more than 50 years, according to the city’s Board of Elections.
Mamdani’s win over former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa was decisive, cementing his status as one of the most notable political newcomers in recent memory.
Mamdani held a news conference the day after being elected mayor of NYC. Credit: Alexi J. Rosenfeld / Getty Images.
Why Zohran Mamdani Looks So Familiar
As Mamdani’s profile rises, many have noticed that his face seems oddly familiar, and for good reason.
His mother is acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, the award-winning Indian-American director behind Salaam Bombay!, Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake, and Vanity Fair.
Nair’s work has earned global recognition, including a Best Original Screenplay win at the Venice Film Festival for her 1991 hit Mississippi Masala, starring Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury.
In a 2004 interview, Nair revealed she was once offered the chance to direct Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix but turned it down after consulting her then-teenage son, Zohran Mamdani himself.
She recalled (via Times of India): “He said to me, ‘Mama, many good directors can make Harry Potter, but only you can make The Namesake.’”
Nair took his advice, and the film went on to become one of her most acclaimed works.
Mamdani’s Brief Acting Career
Before his political career, Mamdani even had a small role in one of his mother’s films.
In 2016, he appeared in Disney’s Queen of Katwe, playing the character “Bookie Student” alongside Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, and Madina Nalwanga.
But his contributions didn’t stop there.
Mamdani helped curate and produce the film’s soundtrack and was credited as a “third assistant director.”
Under the stage name Young Cardamom, he also performed a rap song featured on the soundtrack, titled '#1 Spice'.
The Real-Life Story Behind Queen of Katwe
Directed by Mira Nair, Queen of Katwe tells the inspiring true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Kampala, Uganda, who becomes a national chess champion.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before earning critical acclaim and several award nominations, including a Critics Choice Award nod for Best Young Actor for Madina Nalwanga.
For those curious to catch a glimpse of New York’s new mayor in his brief on-screen role, Queen of Katwe is available to stream on Disney+ and can also be rented on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
Mamdani’s transition from film to politics might seem surprising, but those close to him say his creative background has helped shape his vision for leadership, one that blends storytelling, empathy, and advocacy.
With his mix of political passion and artistic roots, Zohran Mamdani is not just making history as New York City’s youngest mayor in over a century; he’s proving that creativity and civic service can coexist in unexpected and powerful ways.