Desi Delight: Politician’s Love for Rajnigandha Goes Viral

New Delhi, November 06, 2025: A heartwarming and amusing video clip featuring New York politician Zohran Mamdani has taken the internet by storm, particularly among South Asian communities globally. The footage, which was captured during a street interview in Brooklyn, showed the Indian-origin lawmaker casually pulling out and consuming a packet of Rajnigandha Silver Pearls mouth freshener, an iconic and much-loved product across India. The unexpected display of cultural affinity was met with delight and has significantly amplified his visibility online.

The Candid Moment and Its Humorous Exchange

The viral moment was filmed by content creator Nicolas Nuvan. After being asked if he had eaten, Mamdani was seen taking out the saffron-blended cardamom seeds from his pocket. He was heard describing the mouth freshener as a “mint” that he had started having frequently.

The politician then generously offered some to the interviewer, who, upon tasting it, humorously compared the strong, aromatic flavor to “consuming perfume.” Without missing a beat, Mamdani was quoted as responding with a grin, “Perfumes you can eat.” This candid and relatable exchange was the key element that propelled the video to viral status.

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Internet Declares Him ‘Real Indian’

The video’s reception on social media was overwhelmingly positive, especially within the diaspora. Comments poured in, with users expressing amusement and a profound sense of cultural connection. The phrase “Ab laga hai bhai real Indian” (Now he seems like a real Indian, brother) was commonly seen in the comments section, reflecting the feeling that this simple, everyday act had solidified his cultural roots more than any formal political speech.

The unexpected sight of a US politician endorsing a beloved desi product was celebrated as both funny and deeply symbolic. The moment was likened by some to getting a “Rajnigandha-eating American politician before GTA 6,” highlighting the sheer unexpectedness of the cultural crossover.

Identity and Political Visibility Enhanced

The viral Rajnigandha moment is viewed as yet another example of how Zohran Mamdani—who was recently elected as Mayor of New York City and is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair—is successfully connecting with New York’s large and diverse South Asian population. His victory speech was also noted for featuring Bollywood music and for his deliberate efforts to engage communities through Hindi and Urdu.

The candid display of his personal cultural habits has humanized the politician, making him instantly more relatable and endearing to his Indian and South Asian base, further strengthening his image as an advocate for the multicultural identity of New York City.