- Thursday, June 26, 2025
Kangana Ranaut stirred controversy by calling Zohran Mamdani’s name “more Pakistani than Indian” and alleging he’s ready to “wipe out Hinduism,” while also referencing his filmmaker mother Mira Nair and questioning his roots.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Zohran Mamdani, son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and author Mahmood Mamdani, has recently made headlines after winning the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
The 33-year-old Indian-American politician, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is now poised to potentially become the city’s first Muslim mayor. His rapid rise has drawn attention both in the United States and India, with his campaign positioning him as a progressive, left-leaning candidate.
Kangana Ranaut’s Public Criticism
On June 26, 2025, Indian actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut took to social media to voice strong criticism of Mamdani. Reacting to a viral post that accused Mamdani of participating in anti-Hindu protests in Times Square—allegations that remain unverified—Ranaut questioned his religious and cultural identity.
She remarked that his name “sounds more Pakistani than Indian,” and speculated that he had abandoned his Hindu roots. Ranaut went further, alleging that Mamdani was “ready to wipe out Hinduism,” a statement that has sparked significant controversy and debate online.
His mother is Mira Nair, one of our best filmmakers, Padmashri , a beloved and celebrated daughter born and raised in great Bharat based in Newyork, she married Mehmood Mamdani ( Gujarati origin) a celebrated author, and obviously son is named Zohran, he sounds more Pakistani… https://t.co/U8nw7kiIyj
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) June 26, 2025
The Controversy: Identity, Religion, and Political Allegations
Ranaut’s comments have ignited discussions on social media and in the press about identity, religion, and the role of diaspora Indians in global politics. She specifically referenced Mamdani’s parentage—his mother’s celebrated status in India and his father’s Gujarati heritage—while questioning why his name and political stance do not, in her view, reflect his Indian or Hindu roots.
The controversy deepened after Ranaut amplified an unverified claim that Mamdani had led a protest in Times Square where derogatory language was allegedly used against Hindus and Lord Rama. While these allegations have not been substantiated, they have fueled further debate about Mamdani’s political positions and personal identity.
Broader Reactions and Political Context
Mamdani’s mayoral bid has become a flashpoint not just for Indian diaspora politics, but also for American political discourse. U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on social media, calling Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” and criticizing his appearance, intelligence, and political affiliations. Meanwhile, Mamdani continues to lead the mayoral race, with his main opponent, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, reportedly conceding early.
Praise for Mira Nair
Despite her harsh criticism of Mamdani, Ranaut did offer praise for his mother, Mira Nair, calling her “one of our best filmmakers” and a “beloved and celebrated daughter” of India. Ranaut noted that she had met Nair on several occasions and congratulated her and her husband on their achievements.
Kangana Ranaut’s remarks about Zohran Mamdani have sparked a heated debate about identity, religion, and political allegiance among diaspora Indians. The controversy highlights the complexities of multicultural identities and the scrutiny faced by public figures with transnational backgrounds, especially in the charged atmosphere of high-stakes political contests
