Mira Nair once wanted son Zohran Mamdani to lead ‘A Suitable Boy’

Filmmaker Mira Nair has revealed that her son, Zohran Mamdani, now the mayor of New York City, was her first choice to play the lead role in her BBC adaptation of "A Suitable Boy" — a role that ultimately went to actor Ishaan Khatter.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Nair said she had offered Mamdani the central role in the series based on Vikram Seth's novel, but he declined, choosing not to pursue acting.

"I really wanted Zohran in it," Nair said, explaining that she saw in him the sensibility, intelligence and screen presence she was looking for. She added that Mamdani had often helped her in smaller ways on set, such as reading lines opposite actors, but was unwilling to take on a full-fledged acting role.

"He said, 'A lot of people die to be offered these things, but I don't,'" Nair recalled. "He was the most reluctant actor. He never wanted it, and I had to accept that."

Reflecting on the decision, Nair said she eventually felt grateful that her son was clear about what he did not want. "He knew he didn't need it — that need people have to be an actor — he didn't have that," she said. Despite this, she noted that Mamdani possessed natural charisma and an ability to connect with people easily, qualities she believes translate beyond the screen.

While Mamdani grew up surrounded by cinema, art and storytelling, Nair said he never expressed an ambition to become an actor. "He's the most reluctant actor you'll ever meet," she added.

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Nair also confirmed that Mamdani was involved in her 2001 film "Monsoon Wedding", though not as a performer. His path eventually led him away from cinema and into politics.

Last month, Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election on a Democratic Party ticket, defeating former mayor Andrew Cuomo, marking a significant moment in the city's political landscape.