Mission Delhi – Syed Haider Raza, Hauz Khas Enclave

One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] On February 22nd, 2009, a few hours before his 88th birthday celebration, to be held in The Lalit hotel, Syed Haider Raza is struggling…

Sujan Singh Park Diary – My Life with Khushwant Singh

Author Sadia Dehlvi on Delhi’s legendary writer. [Text by Sadia Dehlvi; pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] If you ask me about the women in author Khushwant Singh’s life, I would say I am the only one. That’s how special he…

Photo Essay – Basant Celebrations, Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah

Colour me yellow. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] On January 19th, 2010, the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya was all yellow. It was the eve of Basant Panchmi, the day that marks the arrival of spring. Hence yellow,…

City Cinemas – SRS, JAM, BIG, MMX, G3S

The PVRisation of film halls. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] DU, DUSU, CP, SN, DDLJ, GK1, RTI, SRK, SEZ, HC, SC, PMO, K3G… intimidated by acronyms and abbreviations? Try reading the schedule of city’s cinema halls in the…

City Faith – Muharram & Christmas

Mourning and celebrating. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] It is December 24th, 2009. Late night. A few people — some of them historians, diplomats, designers, actors — are driving to Nizamuddin East, a neighbourhood near Humayun’s Tomb. The…

Capital News – Jane Austen is Coming to South Delhi

Bollywood is adapting Emma in this city. [Text by Mayank Austen Soofi; picture of Sonam Kapoor by Jatin Kampani] It’s confirmed. Jane Austen is coming to Delhi. Film actor Sonam Kapoor is starring in the Bollywood adaptation of Emma, an…

City Culture – Notes from Khushwant Singh’s Drawing Room, Sujan Singh Park

In the company of Delhi’s living landmark. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] There are two kinds of Delhiwallas. Those who have been to Khushwant Singh’s living room and those who have not. The Delhi Walla has been to…