Bollywood beats at City Hall: Zohran Mamdani ends New York mayoral victory speech with ‘Dhoom Machale’

In a moment that perfectly blended politics and pop culture, Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, brought Bollywood flair to his victory celebration by concluding his speech to the iconic beats of “Dhoom Machale.”

The 34-year-old Democrat of Indian descent, son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, made history as the city’s first South Asian, first Muslim, and youngest-ever mayor. As he wrapped up his rousing speech declaring, “New York, this power it's yours. This city belongs to you,” the high-energy track from the 2004 blockbuster Dhoom began to play, sending the crowd into a euphoric cheer.

Mamdani was joined on stage by his wife Rama Duwaji and parents as the hit number by Sunidhi Chauhan and Pritam filled the hall. The symbolic use of the Bollywood anthem not only reflected Mamdani’s roots but also showcased his playful embrace of multiple cultural identities.

Social media was quick to light up with excitement. “Probably one of the most iconic things to ever happen at the end of a New York mayor’s victory speech,” wrote one user on X. Another added, “Zohran Mamdani closes his victory speech to Dhoom Machale this feels straight out of a Bollywood movie!”

Music composer Pritam Chakraborty, who created the chart-topping number, expressed his delight after seeing the viral clip. “It sounded like such a perfect fit,” he said. “I was rooting for him because he’s Mira Nair’s son and seeing Dhoom Machale play at his win felt incredible.”

Before entering politics, Mamdani was himself a musician and hip-hop artist who performed under the names Young Cardamom and Mr Cardamom. His creative streak is well known one of his tracks, Nani, even featured celebrated chef and actor Madhur Jaffrey.

From quoting Jawaharlal Nehru in his victory speech to closing the night with a Bollywood dance anthem, Zohran Mamdani has made it clear the Big Apple just got a taste of desi swagger.