Zohran Mamdani has officially entered Indian pop culture with a huge moment. The New York City mayor appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, not in person, but as the focus of a question asked by Amitabh Bachchan. The episode aired on December 26 and quickly sparked chatter online.
The episode featured Renu Devi Shukla from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She was playing confidently and made it to the 10th question. That is when Zohran Mamdani’s name was mentioned on India’s most loved quiz show.
Zohran Mamdani’s Mention In Kaun Banega Crorepati 17
Amitabh Bachchan asked, “Which Indian filmmaker is the mother of Zohran Mamdani, mayor-elect of New York City?” The options were Gurinder Chadha, Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta and Aparna Sen.
Renu paused. She looked unsure. She then used the 50-50 lifeline. Two options were removed. She was left with Mira Nair and Deepa Mehta. After a brief thought, she chose Mira Nair. The answer was correct. She won Rs 5 lakh and looked visibly relieved.
For many viewers, the moment felt emotional and proud. Soon after the episode aired, short clips flooded social media. Fans of Zohran Mamdani shared the video with joy.
One user wrote, “I love this. His mom is such an icon too.” Another said, “It’s so satisfying to hear his name pronounced correctly.” A third user joked, “He has officially made it.”
About Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor on January 1. His political rise has drawn global attention. Now, with his mention on Kaun Banega Crorepati, his story has reached millions of Indian homes.
Mamdani is the 112th Mayor of New York City. His win created history as he became the city’s first Muslim mayor. He is also the first South Asian and first African-born mayor. At the same time, he is the youngest person to hold the office since 1892.
Zohran Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda. He is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani. He moved to New York City when he was seven years old.
Before politics, he worked as a housing counsellor. He also explored music and performed in the hip-hop scene under the name “Young Zami”.
His political career began in 2020. He defeated a long-time incumbent to represent the 36th District of the New York State Assembly in Queens. That win marked him as a strong new voice.
In the 2025 mayoral election, Mamdani won decisively. He defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. His campaign focused on affordability and daily struggles.
As mayor, he has promised major changes. His plans include freezing rent for nearly one million households. He also wants fare-free buses across the city. City-run grocery stores are part of his vision too. He has pledged universal childcare and a $30 minimum wage by 2030.
Still, challenges remain. Mamdani faces resistance from the federal government under President Donald Trump. His views on global issues have also drawn attention worldwide.
