City Landmark – Balkrishna Shivram Moonje, Outside New Delhi Railway Station
The statue outside the station. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] One of the many fates that can befall a human is immortaliation — in the shape and form of a statue. Chances are nobody will glance twice at…
Mission Delhi – Sanjay Das, Central Delhi Market Lane
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The other day this beggar found himself walking along a footpath in Kashmere Gate thinking about lunch when a careless motor-cyclist suddenly smashed into him…
City Faith – An Unknown Mystic’s Roadside Grave, Zakir Hussain Marg
The essence of an anonymous grave. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Most of central Delhi used to be a jungle. It is said that dacoits roamed between Mehrauli in the south and Shahjahanabad (aka the old Delhi) in…
Home Sweet Home – A Lady’s Balcony, South Delhi
Her private oasis. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] She’s readily agreed to give The Delhi Walla a guided tour of her pleasing balcony, but with a condition. No snapping her face photos, so she can remain anonymous. For…
Mission Delhi – Govind, Sector 6, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The afternoon air is warm despite hints of the approaching winter. He is sweating profusely as he sits on the stone plinth under the shade…
City Food – Maha Samosa, Delite Cinema
Delhi’s biggest samosa. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] What is Delhi without its tombs? What is a samosa without its potatoes? Boil it, mash it, mix in the spices, scoop it up into a maida casing, deep-fry and…
City Walk – Full Moon Street, Asiad Village
The dream stroll. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] There’s something you shouldn’t miss before planning to leave Delhi forever. A night stroll along Asiad Village Road leads into one of South Delhi’s best-kept secrets: a virtual forest of…
City Monument – Dilli Gate, Central Delhi
The ignored one. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Dilli Gate is one of those great monuments that are taken for granted and seldom gushed over by guidebook junkies. Instagrammers too give it a royal ignore. Built more than…
Mission Delhi – Payal Singhal, Connaught Place
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Some good folk just can’t leave the house without a book tucked away in the rucksack. That’s the way it is. Take the case of…
City Hangout – Swirly Staircase, Satyam Plaza, Gurgaon
More than just a fire exit. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] There was a time when the staircase was not reduced to the status of a mere fire exit. Although it is difficult to believe this truth in…
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