Zohran Mamdani watched Sanjay Dutt’s ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.’ 16 times; refused Ishaan Khatter’s role in ‘The Suitable Boy’, reveals Mira Nair

Zohran Mamdani recently made history as New York’s first Muslim and Asian mayor, but his journey has a surprising Bollywood connection. Growing up as the son of famous director Mira Nair, Zohran was always surrounded by movies, stories, and creativity. His love for Bollywood and natural charm helped shape who he is and even influenced some of his mother’s biggest film choices

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Nair shared how her son’s tastes, confidence, and ideas left a lasting mark on her work and their family life.

How Zohran Mamdani guided mother to make ‘The Namesake’

When Mira Nair was offered ‘Harry Potter’ and the ‘Goblet of Fire’, she hesitated between that blockbuster and her passion project, ‘The Namesake’. Zohran, then only 14, helped her decide. She said, “A moment came when my heart was divided. I wanted to work on The Namesake. So, I talked to Zoru; he was 14 then, and I remember asking him what I should do. He said, ‘Mama, many good directors can make Harry Potter, but only you can make The Namesake.’ It was like a light came on. I was liberated from the struggle of thinking I should please him. He saw right through it, as he always has.”

Zohran Mamdani grew up loving Bollywood films

Zohran’s passion for cinema extended beyond guiding his mother. Mira Nair revealed,“The movie he watched 16 times with his grandfather and with us was ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’. That was the number one movie for Zohran growing up. The other movie he absolutely loves is Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Luck By Chance’. He can recite it backwards.”

Zohran Mamdani declined Ishan Khatter’s role

Despite growing up in a film-focused environment, Zohran never pursued acting. Mira Nair offered him the lead role in ‘The Suitable Boy’, but he politely declined. He told her, “A lot of people die to be offered these things, but I don’t.”

Nair reflected, “He was the most reluctant actor. He never wanted it, and I had to accept that. But he’s got the goods. I always saw the charisma and the ability to connect with people.”

Early theatre performances revealed his talent

Zohran’s abilities were also noticed in theatre. During a workshop for the Broadway musical of ‘The Monsoon Wedding’, he performed alongside P. K. Dubey and Ali Sethi. Nair explained that the workshop was meant to pitch the show to investors, and while they started in a small room with microphones, Zohran’s performance with P. K. was outstanding. By the end, one of the producing investors asked who he was and said they could not go to Broadway without him. Nair added that she had recently reminded the investor that the boy they were so impressed by was now their mayor.

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