Mira Nair Finds a New Audience as Mother of Zohran Mamdani

Mira Nair, a renowned filmmaker, is accustomed to being in the limelight. Her work shines a light on the cultural lives of Indians, carving a special place in the film world. Recently, her focus shifted as she began filming a new project about the life of early 20th-century Hungarian-Indian painter, Amrita Sher-Gil.

However, the attention she received during this project was different. More people now recognized her as the mother of Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor. Some, including young artists on her film set, expressed how his political views resonated with them.

Her husband, Mahmood Mamdani, an academic, also noticed increased attention. While in a coffee shop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the owner gave him free coffee, acknowledging him as the mayor’s father, which was met with cheers from other customers.

“I feel like we have given him to the world,” Ms. Nair shared.

We sat on the floor in March, around a coffee table in an Amritsar apartment that served as her temporary home during filming. She added personal touches to make it homier—a few small rugs and a Jaipuri block-printed quilt. A campaign poster of her son, affectionately called “Zohru” or “Z,” stood on a shelf.

Concern arose among her handlers that our discussion might focus solely on Mr. Mamdani during the scheduled 90 minutes. Yet, the conversation extended over an hour longer, leaving ample time to discuss her upcoming film, tentatively titled “Amri,” anticipated for a 2027 release.

Over a home-cooked meal of shrimp curry and rice, I inquired about her feelings on her son’s significant role in managing one of the world’s most vibrant cities. She had flown from Amritsar to New York for his inauguration, which she documented on film, and later visited his official residence, Gracie Mansion.