It is the season of love, but I find myself pondering about love beyond romance. My heart beats for the city that adopted me, Delhi. Its winding lanes, vibrant culture, and poetic legacies mesmerise me. Mirza Ghalib, the 18th-century Urdu poet, shared this passion too.
Born in Agra, Ghalib migrated to Delhi, where his soul took root. His words resonate deeply: “Ik roz apni rooh se poochha, ki dilli kya hai, to yun jawab main keh gaye, yeh duniya mano jism hai aur dilli uski jaan” (“I asked my soul, ‘What is Delhi?’ It replied: ‘The world is the body, Delhi its soul’).
In Delhi’s crowded Balimaran, near Chandni Chowk, stands Ghalib’s humble haveli. This forgotten corner embodies Ghalib’s timeless love affair with the city. It is this love for the city and its life that has pushed writer Shirin Mehrotra, a resident of Chittaranjan Park to create a dining experience that pays tribute to Mirza Ghalib — his life, his poetry, his ‘qissey’ (stories) and his idiosyncrasies.
Aptly named ‘Nausha Farmaiye”, this experience is part of The Literary Table umbrella again an initiative by Mehrotra, where she brings together books and food. Being hosted at a rooftop place in Kailash Hills, overlooking the Lotus temple, Mehrotra aims to mesmerise the diners with stories, enthrall them with beautiful music, and delicious food.
“Last year in July, I created a mango-inspired menu because Mirza loved mango. We created it as a performance based dinner where we did storytelling and my sister who is a singer performed his ghazals and I cooked the menu, but this time around I thought I’ll do it slightly differently”, Mehrotra says.
So what is different this time around? I ask her to elaborate on it. “Well, mangoes aren’t the only thing that he loved. In his biographies one can see the mention of qorma and shami kebabs. His love for gin and pairing it with almonds is widely known. We have collaborated with other people from Delhi to bring it alive – so some dishes are being sourced from khansamas in Old Delhi and also a home chef who specialises in the food of Purani Dilli. Some inspiration is also from the cities he visited and the food he loved.”
One look at the menu, and you know that one can expect Purani Dilli ki kulle ki chaat, mutton shami, vegetable galouti, and in the mains there’s luscious mutton qorma, chicken kebab, kathal ke kabab and soft roomali rotis. Mehrotra’s initiative taps into the growing desire for immersive experiences. As people seek sensory storytelling, fine music, and exceptional cuisine, ‘Nausha Farmaiye’ paves the way. This curated experience is more than a dinner – it’s a celebration of love, literature, and culture.
As love extends far beyond romance, Ghalib’s love for Delhi inspires us to appreciate the beauty in everyday life. Mehrotra’s event is a testament to this love, offering a unique experience that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul. The experience is also a nod to a life savoured slowly — a deep contrast to the breakneck speed that we live today. But, it’s Ghalib — and it’s the best of Delhi. You possibly cannot be in a rush to savour it.