Amitabh Bachchan Features NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Kaun Banega Crorepati
Amitabh Bachchan features Zohran Mamdani in quiz question.
Newly sworn-in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani gained unexpected spotlight on Indian television when he became the subject of a question on the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Hosted by legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, the episode aired on December 26 featured a contestant facing a query about Mamdani's distinguished family background, highlighting the mayor's connections to the world of cinema shortly before his historic inauguration.
During the episode, contestant Renu Devi Shukla from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, occupied the hot seat. The tenth question posed by Bachchan inquired: "Which Indian filmmaker is the mother of Zohran Mamdani, mayor-elect of New York City?" The options provided were Gurinder Chadha, Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta, and Aparna Sen. Uncertain of the answer, Shukla utilized the 50-50 lifeline, narrowing choices to Mira Nair and Deepa Mehta.
Shukla selected Mira Nair, which proved correct, securing her ₹5 lakh in winnings. Nair, an acclaimed Oscar-nominated director known for films such as Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, and Monsoon Wedding, is indeed Mamdani's mother. This accurate response not only advanced the contestant but also brought attention to Mamdani's heritage, blending his political achievement with his family's artistic legacy.
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Clips from the episode quickly circulated on social media, particularly among Mamdani's supporters. Reactions included appreciation for the iconic status of his mother and satisfaction with Bachchan's precise pronunciation of the mayor's name. One commenter humorously noted that appearing on Kaun Banega Crorepati signified Mamdani had "officially made it," underscoring the cultural resonance of the show in Indian households.
Zohran Mamdani, who was sworn in as New York City's mayor on January 1, 2026, marks several historic firsts: the city's first Muslim, South Asian, and youngest mayor in over a century. His rise from state assemblyman to leader of America's largest city has drawn global interest, and this Kaun Banega Crorepati mention adds a unique cross-cultural dimension to his burgeoning public profile.
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