New York Celebrates as Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Concludes Victory Speech with Bollywood Hit "Dhoom Machale"
New York City is buzzing after Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat of Indian descent, concluded his victory speech with the infectious Bollywood track "Dhoom Machale". The unexpected song choice has been widely celebrated, injecting a dose of Bollywood flair into the New York mayoral race and delighting audiences both in person and online.
Mamdani, the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, made history by defeating independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa on Tuesday night. He is set to become New York City's first South Asian and first Muslim mayor, marking a significant shift in the city's political landscape.
Following a powerful speech where he declared his victory as the end of a "political dynasty" and quoted Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, Mamdani surprised and energized the crowd by playing "Dhoom Machale". The song, from the 2004 film Dhoom, is a high-energy anthem known for its catchy rhythm and upbeat music. As the song played, Mamdani was joined on stage by his wife, Rama Duwaji, and his parents, creating a memorable and celebratory scene.
The choice of "Dhoom Machale" quickly went viral, with many praising Mamdani for his fun and unique song selection. Social media users expressed their excitement and appreciation for the Bollywood touch, with some calling it one of the most iconic moments in a New York mayoral victory speech. One user wrote, "New Yorkers have been exposed to the magic of 'Dhoom Machale' mashallah". Others highlighted the significance of the moment, with one journalist noting, "Hey white supremacists, Zohran ended his speech tonight with 'Dhoom machale'. Bollywood music. Cry more, racist losers".
Pritam Chakraborty, the composer of "Dhoom Machale," was thrilled by Mamdani's use of the song. He said he discovered the viral video upon waking up and that the song felt like "such a perfect fit". "Never expected it but 'Dhoom Machale' playing on stage to celebrate the win by Zohran Mamdani is a big high for our soft power as a country and is deeply satisfying for me personally," Pritam stated. He also mentioned his connection to Mamdani's mother, Mira Nair, whom he met while she was working on a film called "The Bengali Detective". He lauded Nair as "a legend and a wonderful lady," wishing her and her son great success. Pritam also noted the song's popularity in Southeast Asia and mentioned that Prince Charles' ceremony band had also played "Dhoom Machale".
Mamdani's victory marks not only a personal achievement but also a significant moment for New York City. In his victory speech, he emphasized his identity as a young, Muslim, democratic socialist who refuses to apologize for who he is. He pledged to dedicate himself to making the city better for its residents. Mamdani also challenged President Donald Trump, asserting that New York will be powered by immigrants and led by an immigrant.
His closing with "Dhoom Machale" served as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and a celebration of the diverse cultural tapestry of New York City. It underscored Mamdani's campaign message of change and resonated with a broad spectrum of voters.
