Allah is closer to Old Delhi rooftops. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] One afternoon The Delhi Walla went knocking around houses in Old Delhi’s Matia Mahal asking the residents, “May I please climb to your rooftop?” I was…
Love birds under threat. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] It is no longer happening elsewhere — in Pakistan, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. The killings of runaway couples belonging to the same gotra (sub-caste) or different caste…
A pocket-friendly haven. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] T-49. Ground Floor, at Hauz Khas Village (9650702777) – Though there is no crunch of hangouts in this historic village, anyone weary of The Living Room lounge, Gunpowder restaurant, designer…
The great chef’s life in Delhi. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Meet the Julia Child of Vasundhara, a suburban neighbourhood beyond the borders of east Delhi. As a girl, Ms Child was a javelin throw star in her…
The death and life of a bookstore. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] In my dream, I find myself outside Khan Market’s The Book Shop. I was told it had shut down in 2006 and that there’s a Swarovski…
[Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Delhi’s dream village. In a city as disconnected from cowbelt India as Delhi, it is poignant to enter Dilli Haat (opened 1994), the food and craft bazaar spread over six acres and modelled…
Searching for the stylish. [Text and picture by Mayank Austen Soofi] One summer morning while walking down Kasturba Gandhi Marg in Connaught Place, The Delhi Walla was struck by this woman’s appearance. Amid a blur of tight jeans and salwars…
[Interview and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] The Delhi Walla was climbing the stairs of an apartment complex in Hauz Khas Village when he approached a boy. Who are you? What are you doing here? I’m Sunil Singh Kushwaha. I’m…
Delhi’s best jalebi. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Thick and juicy, it is food porn at its best. Jalebis, the golden-coloured rings of deep-fried maida batter, soaked in sugar syrup, fill the mouth with a warm liquid of…
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