New York City’s incoming first lady, Rama Duwaji, griped at how she’s widely become known as “Zohran Mamdani’s wife” and not for her art — as she vowed not to give up her day job when she takes on official duties.
The 28-year-old illustrator lamented her newfound fame in a fawning profile published by New York Magazine on Tuesday, insisting she would be “absolutely” focused on her career after her husband’s inauguration on January 1.
“I’m definitely not stopping that. Come January, it’s something that I want to continue to do,” she said.
Duwaji, who didn’t give any interviews during her socialist husband’s mayoral campaign, hinted that she would use her new platform to support undiscovered artists.
“At the end of the day, I’m not a politician. I’m here to be a support system for Z and to use the role in the best way that I can as an artist,” she said in the wide-ranging interview.
“There are so many artists trying to make it in the city — so many talented, undiscovered artists making the work with no instant validation, using their last paycheck on material,” Duwaji said.
“I think using this position to highlight them and give them a platform is a top priority.”
