Stage photo at NYC election-night event showing Mira Nair in a blue saree and Mamdani waving, with U.S., New York City, and campaign flags behind them.

November 6, 2025

Mira Nair Says “Zohran, You Beauty” As 34-Year-Old Mayor-Elect Tops 50% In NYC

Directors, election, instagram, New York, US Politics

Zohran Mamdani NYC Mayor Victory Interactive

Mira Nair Celebrates as her son Zohran Mamdani Elected NYC Mayor in Historic Victory

Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair celebrated her son Zohran Mamdani’s electoral victory in the New York City mayoral race on November 5, 2025. Nair reposted Indian filmmaker Zoya Akhtar’s Instagram story captioned “Zohran you beauty” with heart and fireworks emojis. The 34-year-old Democratic-socialist defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa to become the youngest mayor in more than a century and the city’s first Muslim and South Asian leader.

Born in Uganda to historian Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, who directed acclaimed films including “Salaam Bombay!” and “Monsoon Wedding,” Mamdani will assume office on January 1, 2026. His victory was called by the Associated Press with more than 98% of votes counted, delivering a mandate for progressive leadership in America’s largest city.

2025 NYC Mayoral Election Results

Zohran Mamdani

Democratic-Socialist

50.4%

1,036,051 votes

✓ Mayor-Elect

Andrew Cuomo

Democrat

41.6%

854,995 votes

Results based on ~98% of votes counted | Source: NYC Board of Elections

[Insert Image: Zohran Mamdani at Brooklyn Paramount victory party]

Historic Firsts & Key Details

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Historic Achievement

At 34, Mamdani becomes the youngest NYC mayor in more than a century since Hugh J. Grant in 1892. He is also the city’s first Muslim mayor and first person of South Asian descent to lead New York in its 400-year history. When sworn in, he will be the highest-ranking Muslim elected official in the United States.

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Global Heritage

Born in Uganda to Ugandan-American academic Mahmood Mamdani and Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair. His multicultural background reflects New York’s immigrant identity. His mother famously directed “Salaam Bombay!” which earned an Academy Award nomination, and “Monsoon Wedding,” which won the Golden Lion at Venice.

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Campaign Platform

Ran on a Democratic-socialist platform focused on making the city affordable for blue-collar workers. His campaign emphasized housing accessibility, immigrant rights, and social justice. He was backed by the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and garnered support from over 100,000 volunteers.

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Family Background

Mother Mira Nair is a celebrated filmmaker whose works include “The Namesake” and “Queen of Katwe.” Father Mahmood Mamdani is a Columbia University professor and renowned scholar of colonialism. Both parents have shaped his worldview on justice and representation.

Victory Speech: Key Moments

“The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Victory Speech, November 5, 2025

“New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change, a mandate for a new kind of politics, a mandate for a city we can afford. I will wake up each morning with a singular purpose: To make this city better for you than it was the day before.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Victory Speech

“So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up! To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”

— Zohran Mamdani, addressing President Trump

“New York will remain a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and, as of tonight, led by an immigrant.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Victory Speech

[Insert Image: Mira Nair in Ilkal saree at victory celebration]

Election Night Timeline

November 5, 2025 – Morning

New York City voters cast ballots in mayoral race. Record turnout reported across all five boroughs as polls opened at 6 AM.

9:34 PM ET

Associated Press calls race for Zohran Mamdani with clear majority. Supporters at Brooklyn Paramount venue erupt in celebration.

Victory Party

Campaign posters fly through the air as supporters celebrate. DJ plays Bad Bunny and “Empire State of Mind.” Bollywood track “Dhoom Machale” plays during speech.

Victory Speech

Mamdani addresses roaring crowd, making direct statements to President Trump about immigrant-led New York and thanking volunteers.

Cuomo Concession

Andrew Cuomo delivers concession speech at midtown Manhattan theater, calling campaign “a caution flag” and noting almost half did not support progressive agenda.

January 1, 2026

Zohran Mamdani scheduled to assume office as 111th Mayor of New York City, beginning historic term.

A Mother’s Pride: Mira Nair’s Celebration

Filmmaker Mira Nair shared her joy by reposting Indian director Zoya Akhtar’s Instagram story that read “Zohran you beauty” accompanied by heart and fireworks emojis. The gesture captured the pride of a mother watching her son make history.

At the victory celebration, Mira recalled a parallel moment from 1988 when her film “Salaam Bombay!” premiered at Cannes Film Festival. When someone asked if her mother Praveen Nair was an actress, she replied, “I am the producer of the director.” Thirty-seven years later at the Brooklyn Paramount, Mira echoed those words: “I am the producer of the candidate.”

Cultural Statement Through Fashion

For this historic moment, Mira Nair wore a Maldi Ilkal saree from Kubsa Handcrafted’s Tala collection, designed by textile expert Geeta Patil. The cobalt blue drape paired with a custom mustard blouse celebrated traditional Indian craftsmanship. The Ilkal saree from Karnataka has won a Geographical Indicator (GI) tag for its unique ‘kondi’ technique where cotton body warp is interlocked with silk warp for the pallu, exclusively done by women artisans.

Official Sources & Related Coverage

Mira Nair Says “Zohran, You Beauty” As 34-Year-Old Mayor-Elect Tops 50% In NYC

Mira Nair Celebrates as her son Zohran Mamdani Elected NYC Mayor in Historic Victory

2025 NYC Mayoral Election Results

Historic Firsts & Key Details

Victory Speech: Key Moments