A controversy that began with a seemingly casual audience interaction at a stand-up comedy show has snowballed into a national debate on consent, accountability, and the limits of humor, forcing comedian Pranit More to issue a second public apology as pressure from authorities and public outrage continues to mount.
More, who has been at the center of the viral “Rs 370 biryani” row, acknowledged on Saturday that he made a serious error in judgment by failing to challenge remarks made by an audience member during a live performance in Gurugram. The comedian, who has faced intense criticism online and is reportedly under investigation for allegedly disseminating objectionable content, admitted that he allowed the situation to escalate by giving the speaker a platform.
The controversy stems from an interaction during one of More’s crowd-work comedy sessions. During the exchange, web developer Himanshu Jangra narrated an incident involving a date where he claimed to have spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani for a woman. According to accounts of the performance that later circulated widely on social media, Jangra suggested that because he had paid for the meal, he expected sexual favors in return when the woman requested that he drop her home.
A video clip from the event quickly spread across digital platforms, triggering widespread condemnation. Critics argued that the comments appeared to normalize transactional expectations in relationships and trivialize the concept of consent. Public anger intensified after viewers noticed that More laughed during the interaction instead of immediately challenging or condemning the remarks.
As backlash grew, both More and Jangra issued apologies. However, the criticism directed at the comedian remained particularly intense, with many social media users arguing that performers bear responsibility for the conversations they encourage and the messages that emerge on their platforms.
In his latest apology, More accepted responsibility for his reaction during the exchange. “I deserve this hate,” he said, acknowledging that he had been influenced by the atmosphere in the room. He explained that the audience was laughing at several comments made during the interaction and that he became carried away by the moment. Reflecting on the incident, he admitted that he could have intervened immediately and taken a stand against the remarks.
“I could have stopped him then and there and taken a stand. I gave him a platform and that escalated matters so fast,” More said, while apologizing to those who felt hurt or offended. He also appealed for an opportunity to rebuild public trust, promising that his future work would reflect a greater sense of responsibility and personal growth.
The controversy has now moved beyond social media outrage and entered the realm of official scrutiny. The National Commission for Women (NCW) issued summonses to both More and Jangra, expressing concern that the comments and conduct displayed during the show appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual behavior toward women. The commission’s intervention elevated the issue from an online debate to a matter of public concern involving gender sensitivity and social accountability.
The fallout has also affected Jangra professionally. Reports indicate that his employment was terminated following the widespread circulation of the clip and the public reaction that followed. The case has become a striking example of how comments made in public forums can have far-reaching consequences in an era where digital content can spread instantly and remain accessible indefinitely.
Adding to More’s troubles, another clip from one of his performances attracted criticism for an entirely different reason. The video featured MBBS student Sejal Pawar making remarks about medical cadavers and male bodies used for educational purposes. The comments were widely viewed as disrespectful toward the deceased and drew criticism from medical professionals and members of the public alike.
The controversy prompted Mumbai’s civic-run KEM Hospital to establish a two-member committee to investigate the matter. Hospital Dean Dr. Harish M. Pathak publicly described the remarks as unacceptable, emphasizing the need to respect individuals who donate their bodies for medical education and research.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also weighed in, warning against the growing trend of using shock value and offensive content in the name of entertainment. She stressed that society should not tolerate vulgarity, misogyny, or hateful speech disguised as humor. Tawde urged artists, content creators, and influencers to exercise greater social responsibility, arguing that creative freedom should be accompanied by ethical considerations.
The incident has reignited a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy in India. As comedians increasingly rely on crowd interactions and unscripted audience participation, questions have emerged about where responsibility lies when controversial remarks originate from audience members rather than performers themselves.
Supporters of artistic freedom argue that comedians cannot always predict what audience members will say during live interactions. Critics, however, maintain that performers still have a duty to set boundaries and challenge statements that promote harmful attitudes or discriminatory behavior.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis entered the discussion by emphasizing the balance between freedom of expression and respect for human dignity. While acknowledging that stand-up comedy is a legitimate form of entertainment and creative expression, he cautioned that freedom of speech should not become a shield for conduct that undermines the rights and dignity of others.
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Read More“Everyone has the right to freedom of expression,” Fadnavis said while addressing the issue. “But freedom of expression should not become a licence. No one should violate the dignity of others. One person’s expression should not infringe upon another person’s right to live with dignity.”
The “Rs 370 biryani” controversy has become more than a viral internet dispute. It has evolved into a national discussion about consent, accountability, comedy, and the responsibilities that accompany public influence. As investigations continue and public scrutiny remains intense, the episode serves as a reminder that the boundaries between entertainment, ethics, and social responsibility are increasingly being tested in the digital age.