City Monument – Jama Masjid on a High
Allah is closer to Old Delhi rooftops. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] One afternoon The Delhi Walla went knocking around houses in Old Delhi’s Matia Mahal asking the residents, “May I please climb to your rooftop?” I was…
City Life – Honour Killings in Delhi
Love birds under threat. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] It is no longer happening elsewhere — in Pakistan, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. The killings of runaway couples belonging to the same gotra (sub-caste) or different caste…
City Hangout – Kunzum Travel Café, Hauz Khas Village
A pocket-friendly haven. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] T-49. Ground Floor, at Hauz Khas Village (9650702777) – Though there is no crunch of hangouts in this historic village, anyone weary of The Living Room lounge, Gunpowder restaurant, designer…
City Food – Julia Child Makes Moongphali Cheewra in Vasundhara
The great chef’s life in Delhi. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Meet the Julia Child of Vasundhara, a suburban neighbourhood beyond the borders of east Delhi. As a girl, Ms Child was a javelin throw star in her…
City Landmark – The Book Shop, Jor Bagh & Khan Market
The death and life of a bookstore. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] In my dream, I find myself outside Khan Market’s The Book Shop. I was told it had shut down in 2006 and that there’s a Swarovski…
City Hangout – Dilli Haat, Aurobindo Marg
[Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Delhi’s dream village. In a city as disconnected from cowbelt India as Delhi, it is poignant to enter Dilli Haat (opened 1994), the food and craft bazaar spread over six acres and modelled…
City Style – The Classy Delhiwalla, Kasturba Gandhi Marg
Searching for the stylish. [Text and picture by Mayank Austen Soofi] One summer morning while walking down Kasturba Gandhi Marg in Connaught Place, The Delhi Walla was struck by this woman’s appearance. Amid a blur of tight jeans and salwars…
Who Do You Think You Are – Sunil Singh Kushwaha, Cricketer
[Interview and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] The Delhi Walla was climbing the stairs of an apartment complex in Hauz Khas Village when he approached a boy. Who are you? What are you doing here? I’m Sunil Singh Kushwaha. I’m…
City Food – Jalebi, Old & Famous Jalebi Wala
Delhi’s best jalebi. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Thick and juicy, it is food porn at its best. Jalebis, the golden-coloured rings of deep-fried maida batter, soaked in sugar syrup, fill the mouth with a warm liquid of…
Mission Delhi – Nitin Chanana, Connaught Place
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Lying on the grass, he is looking up at the sky. There are no stars to be seen yet. The evening’s gathering darkness, however,…
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