City Food – Jaggery Sherbet, Pahari Imli
A rare drink. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] But why can’t he give us his recipe? Aqeel Ahmad turns his head towards the blurry bazar crowd, smiles like an enigmatic visionary and says nothing. A very special institution,…
Mission Delhi – Hari Om, On the Road
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The white hair are standing spindly upon his head, ably covering the bald patch at the center. When the auto rickshaw stops at the Purana…
City Monument – James Joyce Tower, Ansari Road
Landmark of literature. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] 8am, Thursday, 16 June, 1904. Place is Martello Tower. City is Dublin, in Ireland. This is the opening scene of James Joyce’s Ulysses. This year the modernist novel is celebrating…
Mission Delhi – Reham Ilahi, Ballimaran
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Seasoned machines clog up the space of the small room. Their owner is sitting in between. Dressed in a blue pathan suit and a mustard…
Mission Delhi – Dhanam, Pragati Maidan
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The most endearing aspect about the picturesque foot-over bridges that fan out from Pragati Maidan metro station are not those bridges. But a cheery snack…
City Food – Summer Mulberries, Munna Bhai’s Shop
In search of the elusive berries. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] There are papayas, grapes, apples, bel, pomegranates, guavas, bananas and even the early mangoes. But mulberries are nowhere to be seen, here in the Old Delhi lanes….
City Library – Ashis Nandy’s and Uma Nandy’s Library, Hazrat Nizamuddin East
Couple’s collection. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] One day, some years ago, an academic from abroad entered their house. He was courteously told to sit. He replied, “But where?” The books are on the sofa, and on the…
Mission Delhi – Ram Kumar, Civil Lines, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Anyone can be sighted with them. Once even the World Bank chief (Paul Wolfowitz) was sighted with torn socks. Auto rickshaw driver Ram Kumar is…
Mission Delhi – Muhammed Afzal, Pahari Bhojla
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Old Delhi alleys are full of uncommon sights. People are often spotted with things not usually seen in other localities—a parrot in the hand, a…
City Hangout – Couple’s Chai, Ram Ram Ji Stall
A cute tea corner. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It is astonishing that such a small place can trigger such a smorgasbord of sentiments. First, you notice the couple behind the counter. They are utterly silent, and yet…
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