The beautiful Delhi instant.
[Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi]
It is evening. The Delhi Walla is in the ruins of Bijay Mandal in south Delhi. The remains of a 14th century palace, it is rarely visited by tourists.
Captive to wild grass, the monument stands on a height. The roof has an octagonal pavilion, which faces the dargah of Sheikh Hasan Tahir on one side and the Begumpur mosque on the other. Also visible: the business towers in Nehru Place, the Indian Oil building in Green Park and the Select Citywalk mall in Saket.
As the sun sets, a few boys climb to the top and sit on the steps of the pavilion. One of them starts playing a guitar. The others listen to him sing a Kishore Kumar song.
Kabhi alvida na kehna
(Never say goodbye)
One boy leaves the group, walks to the edge of the roof, and looks towards Nehru Place, deep in thought.
Within minutes an aircraft appears, filling the sky with its sound.
The long-haired guitarist stops his music. Down the slopes, a man in a white kurta pajama is walking towards Sheikh Tahir’s shrine.
After the plane fades into the orange-tinted clouds, the boy starts the same song from the beginning. Afterwards, a gentle applause. The singer joins palms in gratitude. It is a beautiful moment.
Where Kalu Sarai Village, near IIT Delhi Flyover Time Sunrise to sunset Nearest Metro Stop Hauz Khas
The singer-sultan of Bijay Mandal
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Please tell me they picked up their empty glasses and polythene bags afterwards.
Just beautiful! Thankyou!
wow,the pics are great! pic. 7 reminds why our city is considered one of the greenest.