City Heritage – Nadira’s People, or People of Delhi’s Jewish Cemetery
The capital heritage [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Nadira, Sulochana and Pramila. These long-ago Hindi film actors adorn a recently painted Connaught Place mural. All three were “Indian-Jewish,” as an accompanying plaque points out. Nadira’s original nome was…
City Monument – Kesar’s Pilkhan Tree as Covid-Era Memorial, Connaught Place
A memorial to the coronavirus loss [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The trunk bifurcates into long, thick branches. Each branch is clad with thousands of glossy green leaves. Each of these branches bifurcates further into more branches, which…
Delhi’s Proust Questionnaire – Mehreen Shah, H Nizamuddin West
The parlour confession. [By Mayank Austen Soofi] Her “mom,” her “bhayya,” her sister-in-law—they all are offering evening namaz. While Mehreen Shah is reading a Salman Rushdie novel. Ensconced in her room at their Hazrat Nizamuddin West house, Mehreen, a street…
City Monument – Church Windows, Gurgaon
Tall views [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The Delhi Walla celebrated this monument some years ago, but not this particularity. As it rains out of season, this distinguishing aspect makes the landmark one of the most ideal destinations…
City Walk – Kucha Lal Man, Old Delhi
A cozy refuge [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] A packed bus finds itself unable to move; a cab is blowing a brain-splitting horn; a bike suddenly shoots through the narrow gap between two cars. Only a daredevil will…
Mission Delhi – Rameshwar Arya, Hazrat Nizamuddin West
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This posh address had a great number of elegant bungalows. Many have been replaced by apartment-style housings. Some kothis of the old days are still…
City Food – Afghan Tandoor, Bhogal
Rotis of Kabul. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The cave is dug out at the heart of the hearth — but it actually is a very special tandoor. An Afghani tandoor. An Afghani tandoor made from the mitti…
City Obituary – Deepak Nirula, Co-Founder of Nirula’s
Rest in Nirula’s. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Nirula’s, the site of our dates, the fire of our friendships; our sin, our soul, our perfect escapade. Ni-ru-la: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps…
Mission Delhi – Beena-Ji, Outside RK Ashram Metro Station
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] When a loved one dies, does the grief solidifies and becomes a permanent appendage to one’s daily existence? Or does it slowly dims with time?…
City Landmark – Chabad House, Paharganj
The Jewish dharamshala. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Found! The place where you will get the best pita bread in the whole Delhi region. It is thick with a proper, sturdy pocket to hold the fillings. Hummus and…
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