Pritam Chakraborty reacts as ‘Dhoom Machale’ plays to celebrate Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win in New York, 'A big high for India's soft power'

Indian-origin politician Zohran Mamdani has made history by being elected as the mayor of New York City, becoming the city’s first Muslim and youngest-ever mayor at 34. His victory celebration turned into a symbol of India’s growing cultural influence when the iconic Bollywood track Dhoom Machale played as he wrapped up his speech—creating an electric, cross-continental moment that resonated with audiences in both India and the U.S.

A Bollywood beat to a historic night

At his victory event on Tuesday, Mamdani concluded his speech surrounded by his family—wife Rama Duwaji, mother and filmmaker Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani, a noted academic. As he waved to the cheering crowd, the upbeat notes of Dhoom Machale from the 2004 Bollywood hit Dhoom began to play, adding a celebratory Indian flair to the moment. The song, composed by Pritam Chakraborty, perfectly captured the energy and optimism surrounding Mamdani’s landmark win.

Pritam reacts to the viral moment

Composer Pritam Chakraborty expressed delight at seeing his song become part of such a global celebration. Speaking to India Today, he said, “Never expected it, but Dhoom Machale playing on stage to celebrate Zohran Mamdani’s win is a big high for our soft power as a country and deeply satisfying for me personally.”

Pritam also praised Mamdani’s mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, calling her “a legend and a wonderful lady,” adding, “I wish her and her son, Zohran, great success.”

A defining victory for change

According to the New York City Board of Elections, more than two million New Yorkers cast their votes in the mayoral race—the highest turnout in over five decades. Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa to secure the position.

In his victory speech, Mamdani described himself as “far from the perfect candidate” but embraced his identity with pride. “I am young. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And I refuse to apologize for any of this. New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change,” he declared.

A nod to Nehru and a vision forward

Invoking India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mamdani quoted from his historic “Tryst with Destiny” address: “A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new… Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new.”

He also sent a strong message to former U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirming that New York would continue to be “powered and led by immigrants.”