Mission Delhi – Simon Khatoon, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The woman in white sooti (cotton) sari is walking erect, with a big sack on her head. She is carrying it with confidence, showing neither…
Mission Delhi – Rajeev Ranjan, Near Gurgaon Railway Station
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] In a metropolis of millions, what is it like to live alone? This question is bluntly put to Rajeev Ranjan who lives all by himself…
Mission Delhi – Muhammed Naeem Khan, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya’s Dargah
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] His face exudes immense calm, and sitting beside him is somewhat relaxing. He has the vibes of a fakir, an ascetic, which is nothing surprising…
Mission Delhi – Monty, Roshan Pura
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] His face is invisible. Even his black mask cannot be seen because of the tall tower of pink cotton candies—each wrapped in a separate plastic—that…
Mission Delhi – Lal Babu, On the Road
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It’s freezing at the moment, around 8.30 pm. “You should see the roads at midnight, when it’s totally foggy,” mutters auto rickshaw driver Lal Babu,…
Mission Delhi – Bhoora, Turkman Gate
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Histories and havelis, kebabs and tikkis, bazars and lanes. People flock to Old Delhi from all over for these attractions. But nobody comes here to…
Mission Delhi – Shankar Kumar Shah, Mehrauli Road
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It’s late morning and he is quietly arranging his cart, here on Gurgaon’s Mehrauli Road in the Greater Delhi Region. He is picking up each…
Mission Delhi – Pooran Chandra Melkani, Paharganj
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Lamps are off. Tables are empty. Old posters on the wall are showing photos of Buddha and Benares, palak paneer and vegetable burger, etc. A…
Mission Delhi – Laali, Lodhi Road
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Now she’s here, now she’s there — she’s just everywhere. Laali, 4, is all restlessness. She’s unable to stay on one spot for more than…
Mission Delhi – Premchand, Kamla Market
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The life of this betel leaf stall owner is marked by two special facets. First, his modest (but long-time) stall is situated directly beneath the…
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