Mission Delhi - Taran Pal Singh, Ring Road

Mission Delhi – Taran Pal Singh, Ring Road

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The mobile beeps. He picks up the incoming call, even as his alert gaze stays focused on Ring Road, hands deftly manoeuvring the steering wheel….

Mission Delhi - Imran, Central Delhi

Mission Delhi – Imran, Central Delhi

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Four rotis and masoor dal—that is Imran’s lunch this afternoon. He cooked it in the morning. He always does. Tasked for the loading and unloading…

Mission Delhi - Suhail, Central Delhi

Mission Delhi – Suhail, Central Delhi

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The vast bookstore echoes with the traffic’s dull roar—the busy road is just outside. Moments later, a melodious sound is heard. Distinct from the steady…

Mission Delhi - Mehreen Shah, Hazrat Nizamuddin West

Mission Delhi – Mehreen Shah, Hazrat Nizamuddin West

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] She is in a relationship. Once, feeling dejected, she asked her new confidante: “What to do with selfish friends?” Another time, cheerful and enthusiastic, she…

Mission Delhi - Hardutt Yadav, Ghaziabad

Mission Delhi – Hardutt Yadav, Ghaziabad

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] His night shift resumes from tomorrow. Hardutt Yadav is living through his third winter as a guard in a Ghaziabad residential multi-storey. This afternoon, he…

Mission Delhi - Shahinder Kumar Sinha, Somewhere in Delhi

Mission Delhi – Shahinder Kumar Sinha, Somewhere in Delhi

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The evening was briefly distressing. Shahinder Kumar Sinha, an auto rickshaw driver, notes in his melodious speaking style, escorting a commuter from Connaught Place to…

Mission Delhi - Jagdish Bhatt, Paharganj

Mission Delhi – Jagdish Bhatt, Paharganj

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] His right elbow is resting on the café table, his left palm is cupping his chin. His gaze is directed towards the crowded street. He…

Mission Delhi - Bimlesh, Galli Choori Walan

Mission Delhi – Bimlesh, Galli Choori Walan

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] It looks like a mandir. Her tiny food stall is decked with sacred portraits of her beloved “devi-devta”—Durga ji, Lakshmi ji, Ganesh ji, Kali Maa,…

Mission Delhi - Shakeel Artist, Old Delhi

Mission Delhi – Shakeel Artist, Old Delhi

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] He is the signboard hand-painter of Shahjahanabad. Almost every existing (and fast disappearing) hand-painted shop banner in the Walled City bears his painted signature at…

Mission Delhi - Raghav, Connaught Place

Mission Delhi – Raghav, Connaught Place

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] At first he was—how to say it—a burger. Then, a “joker.” Now he is being himself. All three versions—call them garbs, or roop in Hindi—are…