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Indian Bollywood film producer and present Chairperson of the Central Board, Pahlaj Nihalani attends the funeral of the late Bollywood music composer and singer Aadesh Shrivastava in Mumbai on September 5, 2015. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
Amid the controversy surrounding Anurag Kashyap’s upcoming film Udta Punjab, Pahlaj Nihalani on Wednesday refused to step down as the Censor Board chief or offer an apology. In fact, he went on to say that he is proud to be the chamcha of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Of course, I am a chamcha. I have no objection in being the chamcha of the prime minister... I have never met Modi and have never made attempts to meet him either,” a defiant Nihalani told an NDTV reporter.
“As one among the 125 crore Indian citizens, if I won’t be the chamcha of Indian prime minister, should I be the Italian prime minister’s chamcha,” Nihalani shot back at the reporter, when asked whether Nihalani’s image of being a Modi chamcha affected Nihalani’s independence as the head of the entertainment watchdog.
Nihalani, the controversial chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has been the facing criticism from several quarters in the ongoing battle with Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab after the censor board wanted references to Punjab removed from the movie including its title.
The entire film industry has also thrown its weight behind Udta Punjab team to protest against the censor board's draconian decision to award 89 cuts to the drama, starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal came out in support of Udta Punjab team by tweeting, "Pahlaj Nihlani's statement makes it amply clear that he has stopped the film on the BJP's instructions."
Meanwhile, Nihalani denied of any political influence in the censor board's decision on Udta saying, "The Centre never interferes with the censor board, there was no political influence," he said.
One of Shimla's most iconic landmarks, Combermere's Café Sol boasts a well-stocked bar, and an ample choice of cuisine from Indian Chinese to Italian. Give the pastas a miss and instead order from their selection of sandwiches (a non-veg club sandwich and a Bloody Mary will cost you approximately Rs 1,000), or blindly opt for some rustic Indian khaana. Everything's delightfully old fashioned, and best accompanied by a pint of beer. Yes, even the Bloody Mary. (credit:Angad Singh)
Honey Hut(02 of10)
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Established in Shimla since 2007, this concept café chain features only honey-based products in an attempt to publicise the health benefits of honey. Everything in this little eatery contains honey, and that combined with an excellent view of the hill station as well as very reasonable pricing (Rs 400 on an average for two) makes this place a must-visit. Enjoy a typical chilly evening with some herbal tea, and a slice of heart (and tummy) warming apple pie. (credit:Kuldipsinh Matroja/ Facebook)
Sharma Vaisno Dhaba(03 of10)
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Head along the Kufri-Chail road, and you'll hit this no-nonsense dhaba that resembles more of a workshop than it does a restaurant. The warmth with which guests are met here however does away with any trepidation you might have about the place - not to mention the delicious aromas of well-cooked home food. Unsurprisingly, the all-veg restaurant features dirt-cheap rates. Their meetha phulka made with gur (jaggery) is delicious. (credit:Anshu 155/ tripadvisor)
The Devicos(04 of10)
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When you see 'seasonal' written next to the prawn biryani, you know you've hit a fine dining restaurant - and Devicos at Mall Road is precisely that. It's got as much variety as the next restaurant (with it's Indian, Chinese and Italian offerings), with a slightly more appealing menu (A meal for two will cost you Rs 500 approximately). The restaurant itself has been in business since 1970, and features an impressive selection of alcohol, although lacks the old-time charm it was once known for. (credit:Angad Singh)
Goofa-Ashiana(05 of10)
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This eclectic restaurant, divided into two (Goofa is the basement while Ashiana placed on top features a 360-degree view of the city) is situated on Shimla's famous ridge. Run by HPTDC, the restaurant features excellent reviews of its food that ranges from Indian to Chinese and Continental. It could pose as the perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous, made only more delightful by the easy pricing - Rs 500 for two on an average. (credit:unci_narynin/Flickr)
Indian Coffee House(06 of10)
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While there's no dearth of decrepit, cheap eating joints on Shimla's Mall Road, Indian Coffee House remains an institution in spite of its questionable food quality - the place simply has character. What you should go there for is a cup of joe, and some local gossip - it's always filled with chattering locals and backpackers. It's also the only restaurant open at 8 am on the road. Their dosas are temperamental - they have some brilliant days, and then some particularly bad ones... (credit:Angad Singh)
Alfa Restaurant(07 of10)
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Let's be honest, most of the food here would send most gourmands running for their lives in the opposite direction. But there's something deliciously satisfying that comes from scarfing these unhealthy-as-sin burgers,mutton kheema samosas and melting sundaes - the kinds you get from eating even the worst plate of golgappas. Stick to the appetizers, give the main course a miss, and you won't be dissapointed. (credit:Angad SIngh)
Cedar Garden At Oberoi Cecil(08 of10)
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According to Angad Singh, who has graduated from the Oberoi S.T.E.P programme in Shimla, the Cedar Garden is a well-preserved secret at the Oberoi Cecil that is open only seasonally. This elegant outdoor restaurant seats a maximum of 55 people, and features basic sandwiches, snacks and drinks, making it an ideal setting for private parties. (credit:Oberoi Cecil/ Oberoi Hotels)
Beekays(09 of10)
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Warm salami slices. Mayonnaise - the really unhealthy kinds. Steaming buns. That's what makes the amazing salami (chicken) burgers at Beekays, and you can never eat just one. The pizzas, and momos are equally good at this fast food joint that sits opposite the LIC building on Mall Road. (credit:Angad SIngh)
Aunty's Kitchen(10 of10)
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Located near Shimla's fire station, this dinky little kitchen (and it is precisely that) is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in the city. You'll be welcomed by Mr Wong, a relative of Aunty's - the lady who started the restaurant back in 1975, under who's smiling influence you'll enjoy some grade-A momos, and hot noodles (that cost Rs 50). The soups menu is possibly what'll pique your interest the most: there are over 25 varieties of soup available, and nothing's price (on its own) runs into triple digits. (credit:Angad Singh)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.