Zohran Mamdani's Prenatal Photo Session
Mira Nair and Sarita Choudhury were not my only two subjects that fateful day in 1991
I knew from the first time I laid eyes on him that Zohran Mamdani was destined for greatness. Having the foresight to book a shoot with me two months before he was born is next level. No wonder he's been so successful.
Zohran's mom is filmmaker Mira Nair. We made her portrait on August 26, 1991. It was only recently that I realized my brush with destiny in meeting the pre-natal Zohran; heretofore, my shoot with Nair was memorable for two things.
The Phone Book Incident
My intricate composition required her to be taller, but not enough for a half apple box, so I tossed a phone book down for her to stand on. "Oh no," she said, with a tone like you'll not get me with that trick again, sucker. "In my culture, we revere books. I would not even place one on the floor, much less stand upon it." Ooof! I revere books too, but nonetheless felt put in my place but good. Fine, sit on this high stool—86 the phone book. I suspect we were trying to cover up her Great with Child-ness with those loose scarves. The Director was surprisingly happy to take direction, and we enjoy a fine rapport, despite my bibliomanic faux pas.
An Unexpected Guest
About an hour in, Ms. Nair casually mentioned a friend will stop by our shoot—do I mind? Of course not. Even less so when the casual visitor in question turned out to be actress Sarita Choudhury. She was particularly fond of Nair, as her first film appearance was in her most recent work, Mississippi Masala. She had stopped by for a visit, but no way was I letting a stunningly beautiful actress get away unphotographed on my set.
Backed up by her director Mira, who offered her extra scarves and ponchos to serve as wardrobe, she allowed herself to be cajoled onto set. And man am I glad I was pushier than usual, as she proved to be one of the most gorgeous and compelling subjects I've ever had the pleasure to work with. She and Nair had a natural and lovely relationship that was wonderful to behold and even better to photograph. And did I mention she was gorgeous? Yes, yes I did, so I will leave you to judge that for yourselves. The dynamic between a director and her young actor was warm and human and terrific to photograph. Choudhury, protestations about being unprepared to the contrary, turned out to be a fantastic and luminous subject. I wish all set visitors were so delightful (and photogenic!).
The Reveal
Two months after our shoot in New York, Nair gave birth to Zohran in Uganda. Go figure. I do know I will never forget my encounter with (ultra) young Zohran, and I urge youse not to either.
What's your favorite "brush with future fame" story? Share it in the comments below.
Very cool, Chris! An entirely photogenic mamma, Zohran has.