Kangana Ranaut targets Zohran Mamdani’s Muslim identity

Actor-turned-far-right politician Kangana Ranaut launched an attack on Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York's mayoral election. Her criticism centered on his Muslim identity and his outspoken opposition to Hindutva and Zionism.

Taking to X, Kangana Ranaut shared a video of Zohran Mamdani speaking at an anti-BJP protest. In the video, Mamdani condemned the government's actions in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir region and the demolition of the centuries-old Babri Mosque.

Ranaut targeted Mamdani's Muslim identity, questioning why he disregarded his Hindu heritage, given his mother's Hindu family background.

She further shared details of his religion and family background, saying, “His mother is Mira Nair, one of our best filmmakers, a Padma Shri awardee, a beloved daughter of Bharat now based in New York. She married Mehmood Mamdani (of Gujarati origin), a celebrated author, and obviously, the son is named Zohran.”

Read: Zohran Mamdani wins Democratic primary, could become NYC’s first Muslim mayor

Ranaut added, “Whatever happened to his Hindu identity or bloodline And now he is ready to wipe out Hinduism. Wow! It’s the same story everywhere.”

Despite her criticism, Ranaut also extended congratulations to Mamdani’s parents, citing her past cordial relationship with them.

His mother is Mira Nair, one of our best filmmakers, Padmashri , a beloved and celebrated daughter born and raised in great Bharat based in Newyork, she married Mehmood Mamdani ( Gujarati origin) a celebrated author, and obviously son is named Zohran, he sounds more Pakistani… https://t.co/U8nw7kiIyj

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) June 26, 2025

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim of South Asian origin, stunned political observers by delivering a crushing defeat to former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a recent democratic primary election in New York.

He is now poised to become the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, the largest city in the United States.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, and moved to New York City with his family at the age of 7.

A graduate of the NYC Public School System, he attended the Bronx High School of Science and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. He became a naturalised US citizen in 2018.

A self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani has risen rapidly in recent months due to his bold policy promises and progressive stance on international issues.