In a historic political move that has sent uproar across the United States, Zohran Mamdani, 34, has been elected the new Mayor of New York City, defeating
former governor Andrew Cuomo, who was running as an independent candidate. The Indian-origin leader, who proudly identifies as a democratic socialist, has made history as the city’s first Muslim and youngest mayor in over a century. A name that was once relatively unknown in the world of New York Politics, Mamdani rose to prominence with his bold promise to expand social welfare programs and tax millionaires, a message that resonated with voters. In his fiery victory speech, he accused former President Donald Trump of “exploiting tax loopholes” and vowed to make the city a beacon of justice and equality once more. “In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light,” he declared to roaring applause — moments before Bollywood anthem “Dhoom Machale” began to play, setting a celebratory tone for the night. As he finished off his speech asking the President of the United States to “turn the volume up,” Mamdani’s political rise captures global attention and naturally this curiosity has thrown some light on his personal life as well, particularly so with his relationship with his wife, Rama Duwaji, the woman who supported him and stood beside him throughout this transformative journey. The India-origin (now) New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, 34, met his better half, Rama Duwaji, 28, on the dating app, Hinge, in 2021. The story that began as a simple swipe right soon turned into something special. The chemistry was through the roof and resulted in something called an ‘instant connection.’ The couple took it to the next level announcing engagement just a few years later, in October 2024. And just 2 months later, in December 2024, Mamdani and Duwaji tied the knot by hosting a nikah and an engagement party in Dubai, the city where Duwaji spent a big chunk of her childhood and where her family is still based out of. The festivities of the wedding unfolded like a modern fairytale. The wedding was a beautiful show of glitters, glam, and most importantly flowers, as the couple hosted it on the stunning rooftop of Vida Creek Harbour, a place that offers a fantastic view of the iconic Burj Khalifa shimmering against the night sky. It was a union of elegance and intimacy, where white roses, lisianthus, and fresh ruscus draped every corner, transforming the skyline venue into a floating garden of dreams.
For the nikah ceremony organised by the couple, Rama Dawuji wore an ethereal silver-toned gown that caught the glow of the setting sun against the panoramic view while Zohran looked effortlessly regal in a navy-blue kurta.
The decor of the ceremony was curated by LMF Dubai that embraced a theme of quiet opulence with trailing greenery and floral arches framing the couple as they exchanged vows beneath the dusky Dubai sky. They shared the posts on their Instagram handle, giving a glimpse into the lavish party.
“We brought garden romance to the city with lush blooms, delicately trailing greenery, and a statement arch that embraced the couple in nature’s quiet luxury,” LMF Dubai said in an Instagram post.
The celebrations didn’t end there. The newly-weds also held a simple courthouse wedding in Lower Manhattan in February 2025. This was followed by an intimate three-day gathering in July 2025 at the Mamdani family’s estate in Uganda, honouring the groom’s heritage.
