The final volume of The Delhi Walla series.

[Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi]

The fourth and final volume in The Delhi Walla series – Portraits – reached the bookstores in late June, 2011. While working on this book, I struggled with the following curiosities: How does a city shape the lives of its people? How do the people shape the narratives of a city?

I spent a great deal of time with each person profiled in the book, trying to trace the elusive bonds that connect his or her inner life to the physical geography of Delhi.

The book is done and I’m more in dark. The meaning of Delhi has become more complicated.

A few things, however, have become clearer. The people are profound. The lives are tough. The experiences are rich. The city is like a short story collection on love, hope, loss, despair, friendship and death. To add more layers to your idea of Delhi, consider getting a copy of the Portraits. Price: Rs 199.

First glimpse

It has arrived

Cracking Delhi

What a joke!

Engrossed

Same fingers!

Portraits