What Zohran Mamdani’s Love Story Teaches South Asian Singles About Finding Real Partnership

Everybody is talking about Zohran Mamdani after his historic win as New York City’s next mayor. Not only is he the first Muslim American to ever hold the office, but he represents so many corners of the South Asian and immigrant experience that our diaspora can instantly recognize.

He grew up in Uganda to a Gujarati father — which, honestly, so many Gujaratis can identify with because we’re literally everywhere, in the most unexpected corners of the world, running businesses, creating community, and building new roots. His mother is the acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, whose Oscar-winning body of work includes some of my all-time favorites like Mississippi Masala, Kama Sutra, and Monsoon Wedding.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (second from right) stands on stage with his wife Rama Duwaji (second from left) and his Father, Mahmood Mandani (Far left) and mother, Mira Nair, after making an acceptance speech, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in New York Photo: AP Photo/Yuiki Iwamura

I still remember when his music video for “Nani” dropped and this quirky persona, “Mr. Cardamom,” went viral across Desi circles. It was charming, goofy, creative — and who would’ve guessed that this expressive, artsy little brown man would step into political leadership only a few years later? What a full-circle moment for the community.

But what fascinates me most — and what feels especially relevant for the South Asian singles I work with — is how he met his partner:
Just like millions of others… on a dating app.

No special matchmaking committee. No elaborate introductions through family friends. No cinematic meet-cute. Just two people who were intentional, grounded, and open enough to let the app be a tool rather than a crutch.

And to me, that’s the real lesson here.

NYC Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani with wife Rama Duwaji Photo: Kara McCurdy

Dating Apps Do Work — When You Know Yourself

In our community, we often hear the narrative that dating apps are “a waste of time,” “full of unserious people,” or “ruining traditional values.” But Zohran’s love story is proof of something I repeat constantly as a matchmaker:

Apps are only as effective as the person using them.
When you know who you are, what you stand for, and what truly matters in partnership, you’re far less likely to get distracted by the noise — and far more likely to attract someone aligned.

Zohran wasn’t looking for perfection; he was looking for compatibility, kindness, shared values, and steady emotional presence. Characteristics that matter in a marriage. Characteristics that sustain a partnership long after the initial spark fades.

His story reminds us that love today doesn’t require abandoning tradition — it just asks us to approach it with clarity and sincerity.

What South Asian Singles Can Learn From This

1. Don’t take rejection personally

One of the viral subplots around Zohran is the woman who rejected him on Hinge because of his listed height. And the internet had a field day calling it the “fumble of the decade.”

The truth?
Rejection says more about the other person’s filters than your worth. Your person will never reject you for superficial parameters.

2. Attraction is great, but alignment is greater

Zohran and his partner didn’t build their relationship on aesthetics or vibes. They built it on shared values, mutual respect, and emotional depth — the same pillars that every long-term relationship leans on.

3. Authenticity will always age better than strategy

In a world where people are trying so hard to “optimize,” "curate," or “game the system,” Zohran’s approach reminds us that sincerity stands out. People connect with real.

4. You don’t need the perfect setup — you need the right intention

Apps aren’t magic. Neither is meeting someone through work, at a wedding, or through your auntie’s cousin’s neighbor. The magic is in your mindset.

The Bigger Picture: Modern Tools, Traditional Wisdom

Zohran Mamdani represents what so many young South Asians in America embody: modern in lifestyle, traditional in values, and deeply intentional in relationships. His story proves that technology and tradition do not have to be at odds — they can work together beautifully.

Dating apps are not a shortcut.
They’re simply today’s version of being in the right place at the right time.

But the qualities that lead to marriage?
Those haven’t changed for generations — humility, purpose, loyalty, curiosity, and genuine emotional availability.

As you navigate your own journey toward shaadi, let this serve as a gentle reminder:

The right match doesn’t require perfection.
It requires presence.
And just like Zohran, you can absolutely meet your person in a way that feels simple, modern, and perfectly aligned with who you are.