New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani takes nails an SRK classic
In a light-hearted interview with Mehdi Hasan, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani took on a playful Bollywood song quiz, confidently guessing some SRK classics while hilariously fumbling others.
In the midst of a recent interview, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani participated in a light-hearted Bollywood song quiz hosted by British journalist Mehdi Hasan. The exchange brought a playful energy to the conversation, with Mamdani embracing the challenge regardless admitting upfront he might not score highly. Hasan, acknowledged for his sharp interviews, presented the quiz as an opportunity and a privelege to see how well Mamdani knew classic Bollywood tracks, especially the one featuring Shah Rukh Khan, given the mayor-elect’s background and interest in culture.
Hasan initiated the segment by telling Mamdani over the quiz, explaining, “Guess the Bollywood song.” Mamdani responded with good humour, saying, “he wants to be very clear, and going to fail this,” signalling that he was both game for the challenge and ready for a bit of self-deprecating fun. The mood was light, and both host and guest seemed to enjoy the break from political topics.
The first song was played from Hasan’s phone, and Mamdani immediately recognised it, confidently identifying Chaiyya Chaiyya from the 1968 released film Dil Se
featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. The quick and accurate answer set the tone for the rest of the segment, showing that Mamdani did have some knowledge of Bollywood classics.
However, the light spirit continued as the quiz turned more challenging. For the next song, Mamdani admitted he had no idea which track it was. Hasan commented, “You have made it very unnecessarily tense now,” as Mamdani reacted to the unfamiliar tune. The mayor-elect quipped that the segment should have included a “Call a friend” option, referencing the popular game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Eventually, Mamdani admitted he could not identify the track, which turned out to be It’s the Time to Disco from the 2003 released film
Kal Ho Naa Ho.
Hasan made an attempt to make things easier with the following song, starting another well-known Bollywood number. Mamdani, trying to deduce the answer, said, he feels like Shah Rukh Khan moving in the song,” and then added, “[Maybe] he’s just come to the top of the steps and was like,” as he mimicked the famous pose of SRK.
Regardless acting out the scene, Mamdani was unable to provide the correct song title. Hasan quickly noticed Mamdani’s delay and commented on his tactics, leading Mamdani to cover his face and laugh. The song was revealed to be Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge released in 1995, another classic featuring Shah Rukh.
Throughout the quiz, the dynamic between Hasan and Mamdani remained friendly and engaging, with both participants contributing to the fun atmosphere. The use of well-known Bollywood references allowed Mamdani to demonstrate his enthusiasm for Hindi cinema, even if he did not know every answer. The quiz segment provided a moment of levity and connection, showing another side of the mayor-elect beyond his political persona.
After the interview, it was recalled that Mamdani’s affection for Bollywood music had earlier been on display when the song Dhoom Machale from the 2004 film Dhoom was played as he wrapped up his victory speech following his mayoral election win.
News Edit KV Raman
