New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is a Bollywood buff, and earlier this month he created one of the most viral moments on the internet by playing Dhoom Machale for his victory event. But who knew that the same man who walked off stage to a full Bollywood banger would soon struggle to recognise some of the industry’s most iconic songs?In a recent interview, Mamdani found himself in a hilarious spot when he took on a surprise Bollywood quiz.
Zohran Mamdani’s filmy charm delights online viewers
Mamdani, the newly elected leader and US Democratic Party member, has always been open about his love for Bollywood. During the interview, British journalist Mehdi Hasan decided to lighten the political tone. Midway through, he announced that he had prepared a quick Bollywood quiz for Mamdani. The mayor-elect immediately sensed trouble and burst out laughing.“I want to be very clear, I am going to fail this,” he said, even before the first song played. Hasan revealed that the segment was called Guess the Bollywood song, pulled out his phone, and pressed play.
First song gives him a confident start
The quiz began with one of Bollywood’s most iconic tracks, ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from the 1998 Shah Rukh Khan film ‘Dil Se….’ Mamdani recognised it straight away, answering within seconds. For a brief moment, he looked relieved and hopeful. Maybe he would get through the quiz after all.
Second track leaves him completely blank
The next song was ‘It’s the Time to Disco’ from ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’. Mamdani listened carefully, but no memory clicked. He smiled, shook his head, and surrendered almost instantly. “Should have had ‘call a friend’!” he joked, making the entire moment even more delightful. Even though he couldn’t name the song, his humour and honesty kept the mood light and entertaining.
Third question sparks iconic SRK pose
The third and final song was ‘Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna’ from ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’. Once again, Mamdani couldn’t recall the name. But this time, he didn’t give up so easily. Closing his eyes, he tried to picture the visuals. “I feel like Shah Rukh is moving in the song!” he said. He added, “He has just come on top of the steps and gone like this (arms stretched wide pose)!”The moment he stretched his arms, he unintentionally recreated the most famous Shah Rukh Khan pose, a gesture instantly recognised around the world. Even the host laughed, teasing him that he was simply buying time because he didn’t know the answer. Mamdani laughed too, leaning fully into the fun of the moment.
Zohran Mamdani’s Bollywood connection
Mamdani’s love for cinema also comes naturally. He is the son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, known for beloved films like ‘Monsoon Wedding’ and ‘Salaam Bombay!’. Growing up around storytelling, art and culture clearly shaped his relationship with Bollywood. Go to Source
