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Zohran Mamdani Loves Movies: NYC’s Presumptive Democratic Mayoral Pick Told Mom Mira Nair to Turn Down ‘Harry Potter,’ Rapped for a Disney Film and More
Mamdani, the likely Democratic candidate for NYC mayor, is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair. Here are a few ways he's been involved in movies.
While Mamdani is widely recognized for his left-leaning policy agenda — including rent freezes for stabilized tenants, free citywide bus service and universal childcare — he also has ties to another world: the entertainment industry. In an interview posted on X, Nair recalled that she had been pursuing well-known movie stars for the role, but Mamdani suggested she watch “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.” When she first saw Penn in a poster for the 2004 stoner comedy, her initial reaction was, “How can I like this goofy guy?” Mamdani worked as a third assistant director and music supervisor, and he is also credited for playing the role of Bookie Student in “Queen of Katwe.” The now-politician even performed a rap song titled “#1 Spice” for the film’s soundtrack.
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