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What happens when an Indian-origin man with a cinematic lineage makes history in the United States? He adds a touch of Bollywood to his victory — and that’s exactly what politician Zohran Mamdani did after being elected Mayor of New York City. Marking a historic moment, Mamdani — the city’s first Muslim mayor, and the first of South Asian and African birth — concluded his victory speech with the iconic Bollywood track “Dhoom Machale” from the 2004 hit film Dhoom.
As the upbeat song filled the hall, Mamdani was joined on stage by his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, followed by his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, and father, renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani. He greeted his wife with a warm hug and kiss before embracing his parents in a touching family moment that perfectly captured the emotion of the evening.
Reacting to the viral moment, music composer Pritam, who created the song, told SCREEN: “Dhoom Machale New York! Congratulations, Zohran Mamdani, on the win. I never expected the song to play at a mayoral victory rally — but honestly, I can’t think of a better fit!”
Having defeated former New York governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, Mamdani delivered a powerful victory speech that intertwined his personal identity, progressive ideals, and cultural pride.
“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 apologise for any of this,” he declared to loud applause. “New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change. I will wake up each morning with a singular purpose — to make this city better for you than it was the day before.”
Quoting Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, Mamdani continued, “A moment comes but rarely in history when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance. Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new. Let us speak now with clarity and conviction about what this new age will deliver — and for whom.”
As his speech ended, the hall erupted in cheers — and when the Dhoom title track kicked in, the scene looked straight out of a Bollywood finale.
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