FIRST ON FOX: The mother of New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani gave an interview in 2013 when he was a 21-year-old American college student, making controversial remarks about his identity. In the interview, filmmaker Mira Nair stated, “He is a total desi,” using terminology that has provoked debate over its derogatory implications toward the United States.
The interview, which was with Hindustan Times in 2013, described Mamdani as a person who felt deeply rooted in neither Western nor American culture, while being deeply connected to his heritage in Uganda and India. The term ‘desi,’ used by Nair, is a cultural identifier for people of South Asian descent, but its context here has sparked debate over whether it’s being used as a slur.
At the time of the interview, Mamdani was a 21-year-old student at Bowdoin College, where he co-founded the school’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter and was pushing for academic sanctions against Israel. This has further fueled the current debate, with some viewing these past actions as part of a broader political stance.
An attorney, Mehek Cooke, who is a GOP commentator, has spoken out about the use of the term, stating that the word is not ‘some harmless cultural term,’ but rather a ‘slur’ used in India to mock outsiders. Cooke criticized the comments as being divisive and filled with contempt for the country.
Cooke argued that the comments reflect a rejection of America and a lack of gratitude for the freedoms, education, and opportunities offered by the nation. He noted that Mamdani, who is born in Uganda, moved to the United States at age 7, holds dual citizenship, and was naturalized in 2018, highlighting the irony of the remarks.
Despite the controversy, Nair’s comments were part of her attempt to encourage her son to pursue his own interests, stating in her interview, “No, no, he should do whatever he wants to do,” while still expressing hope that he would make a difference in the political sphere.
Meanwhile, discussions over Mamdani’s political stances continue. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, a Columbia University professor, has also drawn criticism for his views on Israel and ‘settler colonialism.’ In a recent interview, Nair emphasized that the world from which Mamdani came is what shaped his values and politics, indicating a belief that his upbringing influenced his current views.
As this saga continues, Fox News Digital has reached out to both Nair and the Mamdani campaign for further comment, highlighting the ongoing public interest in this political figure and the personal life of his family.