Mamdani becomes NYC's 1st Muslim mayor, celebrates with 'Dhoom Machale'
What's the story
In a historic win, Zohran Mamdani has become New York City's first Muslim mayor and the youngest person to hold this position in a hundred years. The 34-year-old Democrat, son of director Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, triumphed over independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa on Tuesday night. To celebrate his victory, Mamdani unexpectedly ended his speech with the iconic Bollywood song Dhoom Machale from the 2004 Bollywood film Dhoom.
Composer's reaction
Pritam reacts to Mamdani's victory speech
The song, composed by Pritam Chakraborty and sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, became a nationwide hit for its infectious beats and catchy lyrics. Reacting to the viral moment, Pritam told SCREEN, "Dhoom Machale New York!" "Congratulations, Zohran Mamdani, on the win. I never expected the song to play at a mayoral victory rally, but honestly, I can't think of a better fit!"
Twitter Post
See the video here
Zohran Mamdani's victory speech just ended with the closing song "Dhoom Machale" 😱 pic.twitter.com/DJfFLFXcOz
— Saib Bilaval (@SaibBilaval) November 5, 2025
Victory speech
Mamdani uses Bollywood to connect with voters
Mamdani's victory speech was a powerful blend of his identity, progressive values, and cultural pride. "I am young... I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this," he said amid loud applause. This isn't the first time Mamdani has tapped into Bollywood's appeal; many of his campaign videos have incorporated songs and dialogues from popular Hindi films to engage New York's South Asian voters.
Victory celebration
NYC mayor quotes Jawaharlal Nehru in victory speech
Mamdani's victory speech also quoted former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. "Standing before you, I think of the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, a moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance." "Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new. Let us speak now with clarity and conviction about what this new age will deliver."