Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
In an extraordinary fusion of Bollywood and American politics, Zohran Mamdani, the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, has launched his New York City mayoral campaign with a powerful cinematic twist. A campaign video that channels the unforgettable energy of Amitabh Bachchan’s 1975 film Deewar is now making waves across social media and the political landscape of the Big Apple.
In the 2-minute campaign reel, Mamdani speaks to voters not just in English, but in Hindi — a deliberate and bold choice in one of the world’s most multicultural cities. The video draws inspiration from Deewar’s iconic scene where Bachchan’s character lists his wealth and accomplishments. In response, Mamdani proclaims, “Tumhare paas paisa hai… mere paas janta hai” — translating to “You have money, I have the people.” It’s more than a line. It’s a message that encapsulates his vision for a city that works for everyday New Yorkers rather than the ultra-wealthy.
Zohran Mamdani, a sitting member of the New York State Assembly from Queens, is running for mayor on a progressive platform that addresses some of the city’s most pressing issues. His campaign advocates for policies such as free public transportation, universal childcare, rent relief, and affordable groceries. But it’s not just what he says — it’s how he’s saying it. In a city where immigrants make up more than a third of the population, Mamdani’s use of Hindi is a direct attempt to speak to communities that have historically been underrepresented in city politics. His message is clear: he sees them, he hears them, and he’s one of them.
Born to Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran grew up in a household shaped by storytelling, activism, and a deep commitment to justice. Now, he’s bringing those values to the forefront of one of the most watched political races in the United States. His campaign blends cinematic style with serious substance, offering a refreshing break from conventional American political messaging.
This isn’t the first time Mamdani has attracted attention for his unconventional approach. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he’s been vocal about issues like housing justice, public transport access, and immigrant rights. But this mayoral bid — especially with its bold Bollywood flavor — has taken his political persona global.
The video has sparked a wave of admiration and conversation, particularly among Indian and South Asian diaspora communities in the U.S. Social media users hailed the campaign as “revolutionary,” “relatable,” and “unapologetically rooted in cultural pride.” The combination of grassroots politics and cultural storytelling seems to be resonating, and not just with desi voters.
If elected, Zohran Mamdani would become New York City’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor — a historic milestone that reflects the city’s evolving identity. More importantly, his campaign is redefining what it means to run for office in today’s multicultural America. By invoking a legendary Bollywood film to deliver a message of political empowerment, Mamdani has turned a classic film line into a rallying cry for change.
