Mira Nair often finds herself in the spotlight. As a filmmaker, she has brought attention to the intimate social and cultural dynamics of Indian life. Yet, during the filming of her latest movie about Amrita Sher-Gil, a noted early 20th-century Hungarian-Indian painter, she observed a shift in the focus of that attention.

More individuals began to approach Ms. Nair, recognizing her as the mother of Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor. Her son’s political views resonate with many, including some young artists working on her film set.

Her husband, Mahmood Mamdani, also experiences this recognition. Recently in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a coffee shop owner offered him a free drink upon learning of his connection to the mayor. Other customers joined in applauding.

“I feel like we have given him to the world,” she remarked.

This statement was made during a conversation in late March in an apartment in Amritsar. Ms. Nair had added small personal touches to the space, including some rugs and a Jaipuri quilt. A poster of her son was prominently displayed on a shelf. She affectionately refers to her son as “Zohru,” “Z,” or “our boy.”

While her handlers anticipated inquiries mainly concerning Mr. Mamdani, the conversation extended beyond the scheduled 90 minutes. Ms. Nair discussed her upcoming film, tentatively titled “Amri,” releasing in 2027.

During a home-cooked meal, she shared her thoughts on her son’s role at the helm of such a lively city. She traveled to New York from Amritsar for his inauguration, capturing the moment on film, and later visited his official residence, Gracie Mansion.