Mission Delhi – Liyakatullah, Galli Choori Wallan
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It looks like a cave, but completely of wood. The tiny store in Old Delhi’s Galli Choori Wallan street has its doorway flanked on either…
Mission Delhi – Puranchand, Hazrat Nizamuddin East
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The neighbourhood is very posh, very quiet. Only occasional bird sounds waft through the hushed air. The residences on either side of the lane project…
City Hangout – BRICS Rose Garden, Chanakyapuri
The sky above the park. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] A sea surface dotted with clouds—this is what the blue sky looks like these days. But this view can be experienced only in certain spaces of Delhi, open…
Mission Delhi – Aslam Khan, Joseph Stein Lane
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Some people, both living and dead, embody within themselves the spirit of a place. Late architect Joseph Stein’s presence is intensely palpable about the corridors…
Mission Delhi – Ameer Dehlvi, Haaji Hotel
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] They say that time assuages. But poet Ameer Dehlvi continues to be in mourning. “I’m not able to find myself these days,” he says, as…
City Monument – Adam Khan’s Tomb, Mehrauli
A hilltop memorial [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] You want to lose yourself? Okay, come here then. This is Delhi’s only known Bhool Bhullaiya, a knotty labyrinth where one may easily get lost, as its thick walls enclose…
Home Sweet Home – Nizamuddin & Others, Jama Masjid
Housing on the pave. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] They literally live in the shadow of the Jama Masjid. Right under the Mughal-era monument’s west-facing wall, towards which the attendees inside the mosque offer their prayers. This late…
City Hangout – Muhammed Irfan’s Chai Stall, Outside Jama Masjid
Chai with a view. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The sun is rising behind the distant Red Fort. Its grainy golden shine is falling softly on the centuries-old stone steps of Jama Masjid (gate no. 3). Oblivious to…
Mission Delhi – Vikas, Gurgaon Bus Stand
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are. That’s the famous saying of Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. The legendary French gourmand…
City Landmark – Notary Clerks’ Cubicles, Asaf Ali Marg
A Chekhovian world. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] 7 am. Tables are being put out, chairs are being unfolded. Along the corridor where the pedestrians walk. And also along the roadside. It is like a pavement cafe opening…
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