City Library – Anjani Kumar’s Books Sequel, Jor Bagh
A vanishing world. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The Delhi Walla has often flicked books from other people’s homes. So it was quite astounding to know that there are people doing the exact opposite. Readers will remember the…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Megha Shankar Seth, Alaknanda, Delhi
The 93rd death. [By Megha Shankar Seth] Megha Shankar Seth died today while travelling to work just after she received a phone call from her mother-in-law professing her love and gratitude for being a wonderful daughter-in-law and being a better…
Metro Observed – Inside the Coaches-2, Delhi Subway
Life in the Metro. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] She was probably around twenty (see the photo above). She wore a purple sari with silver-colored designs that seemed to be patterned after flowers and leaves. Her arms were…
City Hangouts – Javed Khan’s Old Swiss Watches, New Markazi Market
Place of time. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] 9711052575 – This is his mobile phone number. Call him now. The extremely frail Javed Husain Khan sells second-hand Swiss watches—for a bargain. The Delhi Walla wrote about him way…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Zara Wazir Ali, Lahore, Pakistan
The 92nd death. [By Zara Wazir Ali] Death is not an alien thought to my over-obsessive brain. And what I have learned from life is that death brings out vulnerability, being a moment of utter honesty, it will make me…
City Landmark – Mahatta & Co, Connaught Place
The original photoshop. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Not a moment to spare. A constant stream of customers through the door. Some wanting to get their portrait done, others their photos developed. Some inquire about cameras. Maharani Gayatri…
City Season – Evening Sky, Daryaganj
The monsoon clouds. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The Delhi sky is noted for its impenetrable grayness. One recent evening the ongoing rainy season briefly interfered with that constancy of character. Perhaps you too noticed it if you…
Delhi Proustians – First Look, William Carter’s Annotated Edition of Marcel Proust’s 2nd Volume
In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower. [By Mayank Austen Soofi] The Delhi Walla has seen the cover. And it’s utterly beautiful. I’m talking of the much-awaited annotated English translation of the second volume of À la recherche du…
Netherfield Ball – French Ambassador’s Cocktail Reception, Nyaya Marg
The party secrets. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] What they all are always interested in is the course of the Balkan war. Yet, these diplomats do need little diversions now and then to indulge in non-confrontational dialogues with…
Delhi Metro – Last Points, Around Town
The ends of the lines. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] All good stories must come to an end. But not always. In the case of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, it’s not clear where it all culminates. You…
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