The beautiful Delhi instant.
[Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi]
The Delhi Walla was one evening taking a stroll in Scindia House, a commercial block in Outer Circle, Connaught Place, the city’s Colonial-era bazaar. The lane is lined with travel offices, paan stalls, a KFC outlet and a car showroom called BMW Studio, where I witnessed an incredible sight.
A few passersby had gathered outside the showroom’s glass window. More people were inside, standing around a large car on display. There was silence. A warning sign was painted on the floor.
Please do not touch the car.
The onlookers looked overwhelmed. It was as if the showroom was a temple and the car model was the God. Gesturing towards it, a sales assistant was talking in whispers.
The model will release in India in 2013.
No price has been decided yet.
It accelerates to 100km/hour in 4.8 seconds.
250km/hour is the top speed.
The people – all were men – silently pointed out the car’s various features to each other. A few took photos from their cell phone cameras. They all wanted the BMW. But it was priceless. The model’s placard carried a slogan.
Joy Defines The Future.
No one was looking joyous. Just then I spotted a barefoot child walking outside. He looked at the BMW, stopped, crossed his arms, contemplated the object in front of him, said something inaudible, shook his head, and walked away. It was a beautiful moment.
The temptation
Distracted
Desire
Hush please
Please do not touch the car
What’s your purchasing power?
Priceless
The joys of consumerism
Isn’t it perfect?
The great divide
There he comes
BMW, so?
I’m fine… have other desires
