Mission Delhi - Muhammed Irfan Qureshi, Turkman Gate

Mission Delhi – Muhammed Irfan Qureshi, Turkman Gate

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] He sits in his blood-stained jeans, surrounded by chunks of meat hanging from hooks, and holds up his bloodied hands like a trophy. Next to…

Mission Delhi – Amar Jyoti, Outside Humayun's Tomb

Mission Delhi – Amar Jyoti, Outside Humayun’s Tomb

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The rickshaw stops besides the pavement stand of a golgappa vendor. The passenger, a frail elderly woman in a crumpled night gown, remains seated. The…

Mission Delhi - Faisal Khan, Indian Coffee House & Ghaffar Manzil

Mission Delhi – Faisal Khan, Indian Coffee House & Ghaffar Manzil

One of the one percent in 13 million.   [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The year 2013 was important in his life. Then, he led a “Dil Jodo Nafrat Choro” journey to bridge Hindu and Muslim hearts, travelling…

Mission Delhi - Kutte Walle Baba–Part II, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti

Mission Delhi – Kutte Walle Baba–Part II, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Here’s a real-life story with a happy ending. The greatest landmark of Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti is its Sufi shrine from which this Central Delhi village…

Mission Delhi – Prahlad Singh Shekhawat, Ajay Guest House, Paharganj

Mission Delhi – Prahlad Singh Shekhawat, Ajay Guest House, Paharganj

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Is he a writer? A novelist? He is tapping on his laptop with full concentration. One night The Delhi Walla spots a man seated alone…

Mission Delhi - Mohan Charagi, Herald House, ITO

Mission Delhi – Mohan Charagi, Herald House, ITO

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The picture captures his essence. You see all the elements that made him: the work desk, the cigarette in his hand, the top shirt button…

Mission Delhi – Meer Aliza, Hazrat Nizamuddin's Shrine

Mission Delhi – Meer Aliza, Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Shrine

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] There is a tree with brown leaves and a pair of anonymous graves in front of him. The young man is seated down on the…

Mission Delhi – Catherine Lama, Lodhi Road

Mission Delhi – Catherine Lama, Lodhi Road

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] A red rose is tucked into her hair. A green scarf is tied under her chin. Her wrinkled hands lie folded on her lap. Her…

Mission Delhi – The Man With No Name, Osama Dhaba

Mission Delhi – The Man With No Name, Osama Dhaba

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The most remarkable thing about him is his face. It bears astounding resemblance to the dying face of Delhi’s last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar….

Mission Delhi – Kuttey Walle Baba, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti

Mission Delhi – Kuttey Walle Baba, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] He is known as Kuttey Walla Baba, the man with the dog. A brown dog is always seen around him. Other stray dogs, too, are…