By Harshit
November 06, 2025
Zohran Mamdani has etched his name in history as New York City’s first-ever South Asian and Muslim mayor.
He triumphed over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in a heated and hard-fought mayoral contest.
Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, to parents of Indian heritage.
His mother is acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, celebrated for her iconic films *Salaam Bombay!* and *Monsoon Wedding.*
His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a distinguished academic and professor at Columbia University.
Mamdani spent his childhood in Cape Town before moving to New York City at the age of seven.
The Indian-origin politician earned his degree from Bowdoin College in 2014.
Before his mayoral victory, he served as a State Assembly member representing Astoria and Long Island City.
Mamdani tied the knot with Syrian artist Rama Duwaji earlier this year.
Rooted in Uganda, India, and New York, Mamdani’s remarkable journey stands as a true tale of inspiration.