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FIRST ON FOX: A newly surfaced interview with the mother of New York City’s socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani sheds light on her controversial views regarding her son’s identity. In a conversation from 2013, filmmaker Mira Nair openly stated that Mamdani is ‘not an American at all,’ using terms that many consider derogatory toward the United States.
During the interview, Nair described her son, who was then a 21-year-old college student at Bowdoin College, as ‘a total desi.’ At that time, Mamdani was actively involved in social causes, co-founding the college chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and advocating for academic sanctions against Israel.
Nair’s statements reveal her deep-rooted beliefs as she declared, ‘We are not firangs at all. He is very much us. He is not an Uhmericcan (American) at all. He was born in Uganda and raised between India and America. He is at home in many places. He thinks of himself as a Ugandan and an Indian.’
The term ‘firang’ in Hindi and Urdu typically refers to foreigners or Westerners, often used in a pejorative context.
However, Mehek Cooke, an attorney and GOP consultant who was born in India, criticized Nair’s use of the term. Cooke emphasized that ‘firang’ carries strong cultural implications and is not just a harmless descriptor. She pointed out, ‘It’s the word used back in India to mock outsiders, to say you don’t belong. Using it here about your own child raised in the United States carries the same tone as calling someone a derogatory word — or worse.’
Cooke further elaborated on the ramifications of such statements, stating, ‘When Mamdani’s mother says her son was ‘never a firang and only desi,’ it reflects a rejection of America. It is ungrateful and disrespectful to deny being American after receiving numerous opportunities in this country.’
Mamdani, who moved to the United States at the age of 7, holds dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Uganda and became a naturalized American citizen in 2018.
Nair also mentioned in the interview that the family predominantly speaks Hindustani at home. She referred to her son as a ‘very chaalu fellow,’ a term suggesting he possesses street smarts and adaptability.
An interview published by the New York Times featured statements from Mamdani’s father, Mahmood, who is a professor at Columbia University. He described his son as ‘his own person,’ emphasizing that parental influence shapes a child’s environment but does not singularly define their identity.
Mahmood acknowledged the complexity of their family background but added, ‘That doesn’t mean anything is reflected back on us.’ Nair immediately challenged this perspective, affirming that their worldview significantly impacts Zohran’s upbringing.
Mamdani’s family dynamics extend beyond just cultural discussions. Recently, Mahmood faced backlash regarding his stance on Israel and his connections with organizations that support anti-Israel sentiments. His role on the advisory council of a group advocating for boycotts and sanctions against Israel has drawn significant criticism online.
A video resurfaced showing Mahmood making controversial comments about Adolf Hitler being inspired by Abraham Lincoln, which has garnered millions of views on social media recently, demonstrating the contentious nature of his statements.
Earlier this year, Mamdani sparked controversy by identifying as ‘Black or African American’ on a college application, later clarifying that he considers himself ‘an American who was born in Africa.’
Cooke reflected on the implications of such identity claims, stating, ‘This isn’t just about identity; it’s about values. Rejecting the label of ‘American’ while enjoying the freedoms and opportunities of this country is essentially a rejection of American values themselves: gratitude, unity, and pride in country.’
She warned that instilling a belief in one’s child that they are ‘never a firang’ can foster a sense of entitlement devoid of belonging, indicating that ‘such a mindset breeds resentment, which we are witnessing in today’s political climate.’
Fox News Digital reached out to both Nair and the Mamdani campaign for further comments but did not receive a response.
Nair, in her 2013 interview, expressed her hopes for her son’s future, predicting that he would enter the political arena. She emphasized that while she wouldn’t impose her career as a filmmaker on him, she believes he is destined to engage deeply with political issues.
As she stated, ‘No, no, he should do whatever he wants to do. I don’t see it in him to make movies. He is very involved with current affairs, politics, and political issues. I think he can make a significant impact through his engagement.’
This recent unearthing of Nair’s comments serves not only to illuminate the dynamics within the Mamdani family but also highlights the ongoing national conversation surrounding identity, belonging, and what it means to be American.
