Camilla Jessen
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was Mira Nair’s first choice for Ishaan Khatter’s role in A Suitable Boy.
Zohran Mamdani may now be New York City’s mayor, but filmmaker Mira Nair has revealed he once turned down a leading role in one of her biggest projects.
Nair reveals unexpected casting choice
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Nair said she “literally offered him the role of the suitable boy,” referring to the part later played by Ishaan Khatter in A Suitable Boy.
She recalled asking Zohran to take the lead, only for him to firmly refuse.
“He said, ‘A lot of people die to be offered these things, but I don’t,’” Nair explained. “He was the most reluctant actor. He never wanted it, and I had to accept that.”
Despite appearing in occasional readings to help his mother during workshops, Nair said her son never pursued acting and showed no interest in a film career, even as she hoped he would take on the role.
Early involvement in Monsoon Wedding
Mamdani’s connection to Nair’s work resurfaced after he won the New York mayoral election.
Actor Namit Malhotra then shared behind-the-scenes photos from the Monsoon Wedding workshop featuring Zohran, sparking curiosity about his involvement.
Nair said the workshop was designed to showcase the musical adaptation to investors and included full performances with musicians and actors.
Zohran stepped in to play P.K. Dubey, the wedding planner, and committed fully to the part.
A memorable performance
Nair described the day her son embraced the role so seriously that he even returned home with a fresh haircut to match the character’s look. “He picked up a polka-dotted shirt and dressed himself a little chalu, like P.K.,” she recalled.
During the workshop, Zohran performed alongside singer Ali Sethi and impressed the entire room.
“He was leaping on tables, doing the whole thing,” Nair said. One producer was so taken by his energy that they exclaimed: “Who is that boy? We’re not going on Broadway without that boy.”
Despite the praise, Mamdani continued to avoid acting, eventually entering politics and winning the New York State Assembly seat in 2020 before becoming New York City’s mayor.
Nair acknowledged that while he may have had the talent, he simply “never wanted it.”
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter; Bollywood Shaadis
