City Food - Netra-Geeta's Stuffed Paratha, Sadar Bazar, Gurgaon

City Food – Netra-Geeta’s Stuffed Paratha, Sadar Bazar, Gurgaon

A couple’s offering. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The temptation is irresistible. This entire lane in Gurgaon’s Sadar Bazar in the Greater Delhi Region is infused with the scent of steaming parathas. And not just any paratha, but…

Mission Delhi - Mohammed Jamal, New Seemapuri

Mission Delhi – Mohammed Jamal, New Seemapuri

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] His smile is so radiant that it almost seems tangible. As though you could hold that smile in your hands like a flower. Upon hearing…

City Hangout - Flyover Sunset, Bhishma Pitamah Setu

City Hangout – Flyover Sunset, Bhishma Pitamah Setu

Twilight over the rush hour. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] One more evening at the Bhishma Pitamah Setu where a handful of folks have flocked from near and far to view an amazing sunset. It is one of…

City Landmark - Cinema Halls, Around Town

City Landmark – Cinema Halls, Around Town

City screens. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Minerva in Mori Gate, Paras in Nehru Place, Robin Talkies in Old Subzi Mandi, Filmistan in Tees Hazari and Radhu Palace in Laxmi Nagar. These are some of Delhi’s cinema theatres…

Mission Delhi - Vijay Kumar, Kamla Nehru Park, Gurgaon

Mission Delhi – Vijay Kumar, Kamla Nehru Park, Gurgaon

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] An amazing sight this afternoon. He is the only person in the public garden without a mobile in his hand. Otherwise every single person in…

City Life - Mohan Nagar Flyover Art, Ghaziabad

City Life – Mohan Nagar Flyover Art, Ghaziabad

City’s ironies. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] These cheerful murals beneath the new Mohan Nagar flyover relieve an otherwise bleak, dusty landscape. The suggestive sky on these panels is so brilliantly blue that it must surely glow at…

Mission Delhi - Ashiq Jama, Lodhi Gardens

Mission Delhi – Ashiq Jama, Lodhi Gardens

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It seemed like a logical question. As a professional gardener, Ashiq Jama must have lots of flowers in his own home. Or? Mr Jama laughs….

City Faith - Family's Ravan, Sector 14, Gurgaon

City Faith – Family’s Ravan, Sector 14, Gurgaon

A working festival. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Every family is busy in its own way. While most of us are eagerly looking forward to Tuesday evening when Ravan’s effigy will be burned down with much fun in…

Mission Delhi - Anil Kumar, Gurgaon

Mission Delhi – Anil Kumar, Gurgaon

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Delhi is full of migrant men who leave their villages to make a better life in the big city. Here they live in accommodations, shared…

City Food - Wenger's Veg Patty, Connaught Place

City Food – Wenger’s Veg Patty, Connaught Place

Old taste. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The magic unfolds in three steps. First, the crisp flaky shell crumbles inside the mouth. Second, the mouth gets all buttery. Third, the filling lets loose its gentle spiciness. Such are…