Viral ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ Controversy Expands as Comedian Pranit More Deactivates Account

Comedian Pranit More appears to have deactivated his Instagram account as criticism continues over a viral crowdwork clip from one of his stand-up performances. A search for his profile shows no followers or following, indicating that the account has been disabled or taken down.

The move follows days of online outrage surrounding a now-deleted video from More’s show that featured an audience member recounting a date and suggesting that spending Rs 370 on a chicken biryani entitled him to something in return from the woman.

Viral Clip Sparks Widespread Criticism

The controversy began after a crowd interaction from More’s performance circulated across social media platforms. In the clip, audience member Himanshu Jangra described a date during which he spent Rs 370 on a meal and later implied that he expected physical intimacy because he had paid for it.

One of the remarks that drew particular criticism was: “Maine kaha ki Rs 370 lage hain to use to wasool to karunga hi.”

The comments triggered a strong response online, with many users arguing that they reflected a troubling sense of entitlement and a disregard for consent. Critics also questioned More’s handling of the interaction, pointing to his laughter during the exchange and his decision to post the clip online.

Pranit More Issues Public Apology

As criticism mounted, More shared a public apology on Instagram.

“I’ve seen the criticism regarding a recent crowdwork clip. The comments made by the audience member do not reflect my views. Looking back, I should have challenged the remark instead of laughing and moving on. That was a lapse in judgement on my part,” he wrote.

He added that live crowdwork often involves reacting in real time but said that was not an excuse and that he would be more thoughtful in handling similar situations in the future.

Despite the apology, criticism continued, with several influencers questioning why the interaction was shared publicly in the first place.

Influencers Condemn the Clip

Model and content creator Sakshi Shivdasani was among the prominent voices who criticised More’s response to the controversy.

Reacting on Instagram, she challenged the comedian’s assertion that the audience member’s views did not reflect his own, arguing that the interaction had been clipped and uploaded because it was considered entertaining.

She described the episode as “gross and disgusting” and urged women not to minimise behaviour that makes them uncomfortable.

Content creator Uorfi Javed also condemned the remarks, sharing the viral clip on her Instagram Stories and describing the comments as “disgusting.”

Social media personality Kusha Kapila joined the broader discussion, encouraging men to publicly call out such behaviour rather than leaving the criticism solely to women.

Audience Member Loses Job

The audience member at the centre of the controversy was identified as Himanshu Jangra, a web developer from Gurugram.

As the clip gained traction, users linked him to Gurugram-based design and branding firm Starvik Design. The company later announced that it had terminated his employment.

In a video statement, founder Vivek Vishwakarma said the comments were offensive and did not align with the organisation’s values.

The company stated that an internal review found no workplace complaints against Jangra and that colleagues described him as professional and respectful in office settings. However, Vishwakarma said the controversy had begun affecting the organisation and its work environment.

“What happened outside the workplace has now affected the workplace, and I have a responsibility towards the company, our team, our clients, and the environment we create here,” he said.

At the same time, Vishwakarma cautioned against excessive online harassment and said individuals should be given room to learn, reflect and change.

Jangra later apologised publicly and deactivated his social media account.

Earlier Salman Khan Controversy Resurfaces

Amid the ongoing backlash, an earlier controversy involving More has resurfaced online.

During his appearance on Bigg Boss 19, host Salman Khan confronted the comedian over remarks made in one of his older stand-up routines. Referring to those jokes, Khan told More, “I just don’t think you should go below the belt.”

The clip has been widely shared as social media users revisit previous criticism directed at the comedian.

Debate Extends Beyond Comedy

What began as a crowdwork segment at a stand-up show has evolved into a broader discussion around consent, misogyny, accountability and the consequences of public behaviour in the digital age.

The incident has also raised questions about whether employers should act on employees’ conduct outside the workplace and how viral online moments can affect careers and reputations long after the original interaction.