Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, the mother of Zoran Mamdani, a leading candidate for the New York mayoral race, expressed in a 2013 interview that her son feels distinctly “not American.”
Nair stated, “He’s entirely desi. Absolutely,” reflecting on her son’s identity. At the time, Zoran was 21 and studying Arabic and political science at Bowdoin College, where he co-founded a chapter focused on Palestinian justice.
“We’re not from Philadelphia,” she elaborated, citing Hindi and Urdu terms that describe foreigners, asserting, “He embodies who we are. He is not American at all.” So, the point stands—he’s not Umerican.
Mehek Kook, a political commentator, later noted that the term “filan” isn’t simply playful slang. “It’s actually a slur,” she explained, emphasizing that it’s often used in India to deride outsiders, suggesting they don’t quite belong.
Kook went on, saying, “To call someone a ‘filan’ is not friendly; it indicates that person is seen as inferior or different.” Thus, when Ms. Mamdani’s mother implies a divide between being ‘desi’ and ‘filan,’ she’s not merely discussing culture; she’s dismissing the notion of assimilation in America.
“Identifying your child, raised and educated here, with a derogatory term is akin to expressing disdain for their American upbringing,” Kook remarked, calling the mother’s words “careless and divisive,” suggesting a lack of appreciation for the opportunities America provided her family.
Nair also mentioned that Zoran, who was “born in Uganda and raised between India and America,” has ties to multiple cultures. “He considers several places home, feeling both Ugandan and Indian,” she added. “He’s incredibly savvy. We communicate solely in Hindi at home, and while he’s engaged with popular culture, he doesn’t share my passion for filmmaking.”
She seems to have different expectations for him. “I don’t anticipate he’ll become a filmmaker. Instead, he’s deeply engaged with political matters. I think he has the potential to make a difference,” she reflected.
Breitbart News has noted that Zoran has notable radical connections, as his father, Mahmoud Mamdani, a distinguished scholar at Columbia University, has voiced strong pro-Palestinian views, some of which include endorsing controversial actions.
