Mira Nair’s 3-Word Reaction to Zohran’s Win, Ft. Jay-Z

The victory of Zohran Mamdani in the recent New York state assembly election sparked celebrations, but few were as heartfelt and distinctly New York as the reaction of his mother, globally acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair.

Nair, known for cinematic masterpieces like Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay!, took to social media to express her overwhelming pride in her son’s historic win, perfectly encapsulating the emotion in a powerful, three-word phrase that quickly resonated across the internet.

The Three-Word Triumph

In a jubilant post on Instagram, the proud mother shared an image or a story related to Zohran’s win, accompanying it with the concise and loving declaration:

“Zohran, you beauty!”

This short yet potent phrase captured the essence of her pride—not just for the political achievement, but for the person and passionate politician her son has become.

A New York Anthem for a New York Win

Adding a quintessential New York City flourish to her celebration, Mira Nair set her tribute to the soundtrack of Jay-Z’s iconic anthem, “Empire State of Mind”. The track, a global ode to the boundless energy and ambitious spirit of the city, provided the perfect backdrop for a moment of political history made by her son in the heart of Queens.

The inclusion of the Jay-Z song served as a subtle yet significant nod to Zohran Mamdani’s roots and the massive scale of his achievement. It highlighted the fusion of cultures—Mira Nair‘s celebrated Indian-Ugandan heritage and Zohran’s own identity as an Indian-Ugandan-American New Yorker and rapper—with the unshakeable, bold spirit of the city he was elected to represent.

Zohran Mamdani’s journey—from a rapper and housing counselor to a progressive voice in the State Assembly—has been marked by a deeply personal commitment to social justice. His mother’s celebratory post, framed by a legendary hip-hop track, was a beautiful, contemporary blend of family pride and a salute to the dynamic, diverse energy of the city that now calls her son one of its newest leaders.