'Producer Of...': Mira Nair Recalls 1988 Cannes Incident To Describe Son Zohran Mamdani's Win

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 15:02 IST

37 years later, Mira Nair, recounted the 1988 Cannes incident involving her mother while introducing herself as the "producer of the candidate."

Zohran Mamdani’s roots trace directly to India through both parents.

Filmmaker Mira Nair recalled when she attended the Cannes Film Festival in 1988 for the screening of her movie Salaam Bombay. Accompanied by her mother, Praveen Nair, who stood out in her saree as the paparazzi mistook her for an actor. Her memorable response was “I am the producer of the director".

Now, 37 years later, Mira Nair, recounts this incident while introducing herself as the “producer of the candidate." Her son, Zohran Mamdani, has won the mayoral elections in New York, becoming the city’s first Indian-origin Muslim mayor to hold the position.

Expressing admiration for her son’s vision, Naik stated, “Zohran brings us to a new dawn and a new day." She praised Mamdani’s ability to embody multiple worlds with celebration, emphasising his commitment to equality, justice, and respect for working people.

Reflecting on the Cannes incident, she said, “My mother was quoted at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival, where Salaam Bombay! was being screened, saying, ‘I’m the producer of the director.’ Now I say, ‘I’m the producer of the candidate.'"

Zohran Mamdani, son of Mira Nair and Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani, defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the mayoral election.

Zohran Mamdani will become the youngest mayor of New York when he takes office on January 1.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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News viral 'Producer Of...': Mira Nair Recalls 1988 Cannes Incident To Describe Son Zohran Mamdani's Win

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