‘Is that Dhoom Machale?’: Zohran Mamdani delivers rousing victory speech as popular Bollywood song plays in background

Nothing screams Indian-origin better than a Bollywood song does!

Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, knows it and how!


Picture this: You’ve earned your breakthrough — first big win! You’ve walked up to the stage to deliver your victory speech after winning, and there comes the thunderous beat of victory mixing with the pulsating rhythm of a Bollywood anthem — yes, you read that right!


When Zohran Mamdani clinched the mayoralty of New York City, history was made: he became the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. And then, as his triumphant speech reached its crescendo, the iconic Bollywood track Dhoom Machale from the film Dhoom erupted through the speakers — think politics turning into a joyful cultural mash-up!

The victory that made history

Zohran’s beginning was less than humble, with less than 1% possibility in his favor. So, a year later, when he emerged victorious, his win had all the makings of a landmark political event. He defeated major figures such as Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, securing around 50.3% of the vote in a high-turnout election that marked an unmistakable shift in New York’s politics.

In his victory speech, Mamdani did more than celebrate policy wins — he framed his moment as a turning point for the city: “New York will remain a city of immigrants… powered by immigrants and, as of tonight, led by an immigrant,” he declared. He quoted Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech — “a moment comes, but rarely in history” — to underline how this election symbolised something bigger than a single race.

He also took pointed aim at Donald Trump — by asking him to “Turn the volume up,” he challenged him during his remarks, linking his own win to immigrant empowerment and a redefinition of power in the city.

And yet what really captured global attention came at the end of his speech: as Mamdani stood on stage with his wife, Rama Duwaji, mother Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani, the opening notes of “Dhoom Machale” echoed across the rally.

The decision to finish with a Bollywood hit? It was not just a flourish — it was a statement. More than that, it was an homage to his roots, his legacy through his mother!

The fun, vibrant energy of that song matched the sense of change Mamdani proclaimed: urban roots, immigrant heritage, bold ambition, and cultural pride.

Why “Dhoom Machale” mattered — more now than ever

The origin of this particular song dates back to two decades. Kickstarting the era of a film series called “Dhoom” — based on the stories of suave thieves that made left much more of a lasting impression on the audience than those who were supposed to catch them — this Bollywood number used to be a party staple once upon a time. The name of the track literally translates to “Let’s make a boom,” and it’s known for its high-octane energy and celebratory swagger — and the sound, coupled with the energy of the volunteers’ army of Zohran, became the perfect end-note for a candidate whose campaign fused grassroots change with cultural authenticity.

What’s more? It wasn’t just a pop-culture-coded moment of utter bewilderment or sheer nostalgia — but a blending of cultures standing (and dancing) by a city leader who’s proud of his roots and unafraid to let them shine. For the South Asian diaspora watching, and for New York’s wider mosaic of identities, the moment was eccentric, sure — but electric as well!