Home Sweet Home – Ruined Mansion, Roshanpura, Gurgaon
The story of a home. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Old abandoned houses tend to become hauntingly surreal in their dilapidation. Despite being stereotyped as a fantasy land of high-rises and multi-storey apartments, the Futuristic City of Gurgaon…
City Life – Rickshaw Puller Saroj Pal’s Pillow, Central Delhi
Material comforts. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This rather humid morning Saroj Lal in Central Delhi is still sound asleep in his rickshaw, his body splayed across it. With his feet lazily slumped over the handle bar. So…
City Food – Devi Prasad’s Chai Stall, Paharganj
The ideal tea stop. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Finally found! The pavement chai shop that arguably serves the town’s very best chai. But, first, let’s make something clear. There is no “best” chai shack in Delhi, because…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Shadman Alvi, Chattarpur, Delhi
The 238th death. [Text and photos sent by Shadman Alvi] It was a cold frigid winter evening when the news broke out. Shadman Alvi, 62, was found lying cold on the floor of his small house in a city suburb….
Mission Delhi – Renu Prajapati, Near Gurgaon Bus Stand
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This e-rickshaw driver is a woman. Such a sight is rare in Delhi, and more so across the city border here in conservative Haryana. “Yes,…
City Hangout – The Monsoon Bucket List, Around Town
Season’s getaways. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] As Delhi prepares to welcome another monsoon, here are places in the city where you can feel the season most intensely. Happy rains. History spot Carry along a thermos of piping-hot…
City Landmark – Maqbool Sons Tailoring Shop, Mohan Singh Place
Founder’s story. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Delhi wouldn’t exist as a major metro without its countless small enterprises. Like this family-owned tailoring shop launched years ago by an enterprising UP villager seeking a better standard of living…
Mission Delhi – Ghisa Ram, Regal Cinema Building
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This friendly doorman at the colonial-era Connaught Place is frequently photographed by passing shoppers. And for good reason. His moustache is grand. This week, Ghisa…
City Food – Baiju Tea Stall, Naya Bazar, Gurgaon
Bihar calling. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Baiju Tea Stall in Gurgaon’s Naya Bazar has all the romance of standard street-side chai shacks littered across the National Capital Region—the friendly owner, the chipped kettles, the tangy scent of…
Mission Delhi – Uma Parvathy, Indian Coffee House
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Just a few years back, the lady from Kochi was scarcely speaking a single word of Hindi. But after living in Delhi for a while,…
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