Mira Nair’s Son Just Won NYC

July 02, 2025

Dear Hyphenly Readers,

Lately, no matter where you live, one name has been making the waves. 

Zohran Mamdani. 

The charismatic politician with bold policies and South Asian heritage has just won the Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City. And the internet can’t stop swooning.

Back in 2020, Saadia interviewed him for her podcast. Listen to the conversation and tell us what you think!

Outward and Inward Conversation
Listen on Spotify or Apple

Zohran Kwame Mamdani is an Indian-Ugandan New Yorker, housing counselor, and democratic socialist. This week Mamdani declared victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. His vision for NYC includes free buses, free child care, new apartments, a higher minimum wage and more, paid for by new taxes on rich people.

Whether you agree with his policies or not, one thing is clear: his campaign changed the game.

It was cinematic. Punchy. Emotionally resonant.

Might we thank his mother for that?

Enter Mira Nair.

Yes, Mira Nair!

The legendary Indian-American filmmaker behind Monsoon Wedding, Mississippi Masala, and Salaam Bombay!

She’s long been known for her political commitments, artful storytelling, and ability to capture the nuance of diasporic identity.

A short documentary film by Mira Nair and Zippy Kimundu that follows the story of Robert Katende: an unknown slum boy that grew up to transform one of Uganda’s largest slums, into an internationally recognized Chess Sanctuary.

But the Mira Nair film that hits us hardest?

The Namesake (2006)

Based on the novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, The Namesake depicts the struggles of Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli, first-generation immigrants from the state of West Bengal to the United States, and their American-born children Gogol and Sonia. The film takes place primarily in Kolkata, New York City, and suburbs of New York City.

The couple learn to adapt to American life, their life described in contrasts of “here” and “there.”

The film follows the life of their son, Gogol (named after the Russian author), a lazy cannabis smoker who feels detached from Indian culture. He starts dating Maxine, a wealthy American, and feels closer to her family than his own. 

When his father dies and he has to perform the traditional funeral rites, he appreciates and opens up to his Indian identity.

Have you seen The Namesake? What’s your favorite Mira Nair film? Reply to this email or tag us on social @immigrantlypod!

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Like our podcasts? Rate and review us on Spotify and Apple.

Hyphenly curates the latest news, art, and businesses from immigrants around the world. Have a tip or story we should feature? We’d love to hear from you.

Visit us at www.immigrantlypod.com.