'I deserve this hate': Pranit More apologises over 'Rs 370 biryani' video, says everyone was laughing and he got carried away

Stand-up comedian Pranit More has issued a public apology amid growing backlash over the viral "Rs 370 Biryani" controversy, admitting that he failed to intervene when inappropriate remarks were made during a crowd-work segment of his comedy show.

In a video shared on Instagram on Saturday, More acknowledged his mistake and said he deserved the criticism directed at him. The apology comes days after the National Commission for Women summoned him and web developer Himanshu Jangra over remarks that sparked outrage online.

What did Pranit More say in his apology?

Addressing the controversy, More said his Instagram account had been suspended, preventing him from responding sooner.

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A post shared by Pranit More (@rj_pranit)

"You have seen the crowd-work video circulating on social media, and I have been receiving a lot of hate because of it," he said.

The comedian admitted that he got carried away by the atmosphere during the performance and failed to challenge the comments being made.

Read more: Who is this 'Rs 370 ki biryani' man & what did Gurgaon company say after firing him over remark that made him internet villain?

"I feel I deserve this hate. During the crowd-work session, the man made several derogatory comments. Everyone was laughing, and I, too, got carried away. It was a lapse in judgment. I believe it was my biggest mistake. I could have taken a stand at that moment, but I did not."

More further acknowledged that his reaction helped amplify the remarks.

"I gave those comments a platform, and things escalated from there. I want to apologise to everyone who was hurt by this."

Why did the ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ clip go viral?

The controversy began after a clip from a stand-up comedy show in Gurugram surfaced online.

During the crowd interaction, Himanshu Jangra reportedly recounted an incident involving a date on which he spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani. According to his account, when the woman later asked him to drop her home, he allegedly expected sexual favours in return for the money he had spent.

The remarks triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many users accusing the participants of normalising coercive behaviour and misogyny. More was seen laughing during the exchange, which further intensified the backlash.

NCW summons Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra

The National Commission for Women stepped into the matter on Thursday, summoning both More and Jangra.

The commission stated that the remarks appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman, raising concerns about the message conveyed through the performance.

The incident quickly gained national attention, with social media users, activists and commentators calling for accountability.

Comedian says he is cooperating with authorities

In his apology video, More said he was fully cooperating with the authorities and viewed the controversy as an opportunity to learn from his mistakes.

"Whatever legal proceedings are underway, I am cooperating with the authorities. I request all of you to give me one chance. I will become a better human being."

He added that the episode had prompted him to reflect on both his conduct and his content.

"This has been a learning experience for me as well. I am working on myself and my content, and you will see that reflected in my future work."

Himanshu Jangra loses job amid backlash

The controversy has also had professional consequences for Himanshu Jangra. Amid the public outrage, a Gurugram-based company reportedly terminated his employment over the remarks made during the comedy show.

The viral clip continues to generate debate online about the responsibilities of performers during live shows, the limits of crowd-work comedy, and the impact of remarks that many viewers consider offensive or harmful.

Inputs from agencies