A Birthday Dinner Revives an Old Memory
Minar Restaurant, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Minar Restaurant as it stands today. Pictures: Courtsey Harpreet Chhabra
A birthday call to our dear Harry brought back an interesting memory from over half a century ago. While wishing him a happy birthday, he mentioned that he was enjoying dinner with his family at the same restaurant he had introduced us to before I left for the United States.
This reminded me of an unusual episode during my second sister Ambu’s marriage into the Dhir family, originally from Rawalpindi.
Our family had always been strictly vegetarian, whereas some of the groom’s relatives were particularly fond of non-vegetarian food and wanted it served during the wedding celebrations.
We found ourselves in a dilemma. Fortunately, my Chacha Ji, Sardar Inderjit Singh, suggested arranging a separate pre-wedding dinner at a restaurant, allowing us to respect their wishes without compromising our family traditions.
After visiting several places, we selected the famous Minar Restaurant in Connaught Place’s Outer Circle.
About 100 guests attended, with only Harvinder and me representing the bride’s side. At Rs. 30 per person, the dinner cost us approximately Rs. 3,000, a considerable sum in those days.
The Minar Restaurant seating today.
The evening went smoothly, and we returned home satisfied that everyone had been properly entertained. Harvinder and me had dinner at home.
But there was an unexpected twist!
We later learned that the very relatives who had insisted on non-vegetarian food were now complaining about the quality of the dinner and the restaurant itself!
The elder Dhir Sahib, Sardar Gurbaksh Singh Dhir, a gracious gentleman, was deeply embarrassed. He personally came to apologize for having persuaded us to make special arrangements for relatives who remained dissatisfied despite our efforts.
Looking back, I remember the incident with amusement rather than regret. My Chacha Ji’s wisdom had preserved our traditions, while the elder Dhir Sahib’s graciousness strengthened our mutual respect.
It taught me a lasting lesson: No matter how sincerely we try, we cannot please everyone. What matters is the goodwill behind our actions.
The owner was amused to know the story.
And all these memories came rushing back through a simple birthday conversation with Harry! Who sends me good pictures of Minar Restaurant as it stands today.
