A clip of Zohran Mamdani ending his victory speech to “Dhoom Machale” went viral, sparking elation, memes and commentary across social media and Indian diaspora circles.
Zohran Mamdani Viral ‘Dhoom Machale’ Moment Breaks the Internet
A short video of newly elected New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani concluding his victory speech to the peppy Bollywood anthem “Dhoom Machale” has exploded across social media, prompting widespread praise, jokes and viral memes from the Indian diaspora and global commentators. The clip — which shows Mamdani quoting Jawaharlal Nehru and then being backed by the familiar “Dhoom Machale” beat — captured a moment of cultural pride for many viewers.
Reactions poured in from journalists, comedians and political commentators. Comedian Tanmay Bhat reacted with “Oh my god,” while veteran writer Vir Sanghvi joked that “Bollywood music conquers New York.” International voices such as Mehdi Hasan framed the moment as a pointed cultural pushback to xenophobic rhetoric, noting Mamdani’s unapologetic embrace of his roots during a high-profile address. These responses helped the clip trend on X and other platforms within hours of the speech.
Social users praised Mamdani for blending Indian cultural touchstones with American political theatre. Many highlighted the symbolism of the choice — a Bollywood anthem underscoring a victory by the city’s first Muslim mayor of Indian origin — and praised his willingness to speak about identity while addressing issues like immigration. The viral moment also generated humorous counterposts and remix videos that amplified reach beyond traditional political audiences.
