Nouwen approaches Mamdani as he steps out of a black SUV and casually asks if he has eaten. Smiling, Mamdani responds, “Yes, I did,” before pulling out a packet of Rajnigandha Silver Pearls from his pocket. “I’ve been eating these a lot lately... it’s kind of minty,” he says, offering the pan masala to Nouwen, who tastes it and laughs, describing it as “edible perfume.” Mamdani quips back, “Perfume that can be eaten.”
The short clip has drawn thousands of reactions online. One user wrote, “Never thought Rajnigandha would make it to New York,” while another commented, “Now you look like a real Indian.” The video has since been reshared widely across platforms, celebrating Mamdani’s effortless blend of Indian roots and New York flair.
Mamdani, an Indian-origin Democrat andson of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, made history this week by becoming New York’s first Indian-American, first Muslim, and youngest mayor in a century. He won with 50.4% of the vote.
Following his victory, Mamdani referenced Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” speech in his address and later danced to Dhoom Machale with his wife, Rama Duwaji, as his mother joined him on stage. The Rajnigandha moment has only added to his growing image as a mayor who celebrates both his heritage and his city with humor and authenticity.
