Mira Nair reveals her son Zohran Mamdani was her first choice for A Suitable Boy, but chose politics over acting.
Filmmaker Mira Nair has revealed an intriguing behind-the-scenes detail about her acclaimed BBC series ‘A Suitable Boy’. She shared that her son, New York City’s mayor Zohran Mamdani, was her first choice for the role that eventually went to Ishaan Khatter. However, despite having what she calls “all the right qualities,” Zohran chose not to pursue acting, earning the label of a “most reluctant actor” from his filmmaker mother.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Mira Nair said she genuinely wanted Zohran to be part of A Suitable Boy, her ambitious adaptation of Vikram Seth’s iconic novel. “I really wanted Zohran in it,” she said, adding that he had the sensibility, intelligence, and screen presence needed for the role. But acting, she admitted, was never something her son felt drawn to.
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She said, “I literally offered him the role of the suitable boy – the main role in A Suitable Boy. And again, like with many of my things, if I need an actor to read opposite an actress or something, and if he’s home, he’s always been willing. But for A Suitable Boy — I really wanted him to play that role. And he didn’t.”
She continued, “He said, ‘A lot of people die to be offered these things, but I don’t.’ He was the most reluctant actor. He never wanted it, and I had to accept that. And I was also grateful, because he knew he didn’t need it — that need people have to be an actor — he didn’t have that. But he’s got the goods. I always saw the charisma and the ability he has to actually make joy — to connect with people on a very direct and unfettered level. I’ve always loved that.”
Zohran Mamdani, who is now a prominent political figure in the US, consciously chose a path far removed from cinema. According to Mira, while he grew up surrounded by art, films, and storytelling, he was never interested in becoming an actor. “He’s the most reluctant actor you’ll ever meet,” she said, explaining that she respected his decision and never pushed him towards films.
The role eventually went to Ishaan Khatter, whose performance was widely appreciated and helped cement his place as one of the most promising young actors in the industry. Looking back, Mira maintains there is no regret, only clarity. For her, it was important that Zohran followed his own calling rather than fitting into expectations shaped by her career.
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Nair also added that Mamdani was indeed involved in her film, ‘The Monsoon Wedding’, as actor Namit Malhotra’s pictures from the shoot shared after Mamdani’s win in New York City Elections had hinted. He also played P.K Dubey during the workshops.
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