Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s mayor has sparked celebrations across India, with social media lighting up in response to the historic victory. The 34-year-old, Ugandan-born politician, is set to become the city’s youngest mayor in over a century and its first Muslim mayor when he takes office on January 1, 2026.

Victory Rally Inspired by Indian Heritage

At his boisterous victory rally on November 4, Mamdani thanked his Indian-born parents and paid tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, quoting the iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech delivered on the eve of India’s independence in 1947.

“Standing before you, I think of the words of Jawaharlal Nehru: ‘A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new…’ Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new,” Mamdani said.

The celebration took on a Bollywood flair, with the title track from the 2004 blockbuster Dhoom playing as he concluded his speech, alongside his parents, Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, and his wife, Rama Duwaji.

Family and Cultural Pride

Mamdani’s mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning Indian filmmaker known for Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake, and Mississippi Masala. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an anthropology professor at Columbia University. Following the win, Nair shared Instagram stories celebrating her son, while Bollywood filmmaker Zoya Akhtar also praised Mamdani on social media.

Mamdani’s campaign videos incorporated playful nods to his Indian heritage, including dialogues from classic Bollywood films, helping him connect with a diverse voter base.

Reactions from India

While there was no official statement from the Indian government, senior Congress party leader Shashi Tharoor called Mamdani’s victory “spectacular” and “wonderfully apt” on social media. However, not all reactions were positive. Some Indian commentators criticized the focus on Mamdani’s win abroad instead of local governance, with lawmaker Milind Deora tweeting about the contrast.

Mamdani’s outspoken stance on international issues, including his previous criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also sparked debate among Indian audiences, reflecting the global attention his election has garnered.

A Global Symbol of Diversity

Mamdani’s victory underscores the growing influence of young, diverse, and progressive leaders in major global cities. By embracing his Indian and Muslim identity while appealing to a broad electorate, he has set a precedent for multicultural representation in U.S. politics.