Mission Delhi – Kareem Khan, Nehru Place
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Sitting beside his secondhand books, Karim Khan, 52, lights up a Goldflake. The surrounding office skyscrapers of Nehru Place are looking like sleepy giants…
City Food – Lassi, Chandni Chowk
The cool yoghurt drink. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Delhi has no copyright over the sweet-tart lassi. The cool, creamy, frothy yoghurt drink is delicious nourishment across India, especially during the summer. It is simple to make –…
City Region – Middle Lane, Connaught Place
It’s not loved. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Its curved passage is empty. The stone floor uneven. The wall disfigured. The plaster is chipping off. This short passage connects the Outer Circle corridor to the Middle Lane of…
Mission Delhi – Ram Swaroop Sharma, India Gate Maidan
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] The roti seems to be a few days old. Packed in a mud-stained handkerchief, it is broken into small pieces. With no sabzi or…
City Landmark – Rajiv Gandhi Setu, Ring Road
An urban refuge. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] A smoggy traffic square that was once dreaded by commuters for its long jams has become an unlikely urban haven. On one grassy slope, a group of women is playing…
Mission Delhi – Surinder, Pataudi House
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Effortlessly stitching the sole of a slipper, he says, “Its side has torn off.” After finishing the job, Surinder, 24, cuts off the thick…
City Nature – Yamuna River, Jamuna Bazaar
Delhi’s holy maa. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Every morning, after milking his buffalo, Pandit Sunil Kumar takes a ritual dip in the sacred Yamuna, also called Jamuna. Originating in the Himalayas, the river enters Delhi from the…
Who Do You Think You Are – Fatima Bhutto, Pakistani Author
[Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] The Delhi Walla was in Taj Mahal Hotel when he approached a young woman. Fatima Bhutto came to Delhi in April, 2010, for the launch of her memoirs, Songs of Blood and Sword….
City Faith – Urs, Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
Celebrating the saint’s death. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Saturday evening, April 3rd, 2010. The sufis are celebrating the death anniversary of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Delhi’s 14th century sufi saint. On this day, he married his lover. That…
Mission Delhi – Muhammad Waseem, Near Barakhamba
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] The tea is coming to a boil. He lifts the pan off the stove but not his eyes. Muhammad Waseem, a helper at a…
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