Pranit More Deactivates Instagram After Backlash Over Himanshu Jangra's 'Rs 370 Biryani' Remark On His Show
Pranit More has deactivated his Instagram account amid backlash over a viral clip, as criticism continues over his handling of audience member Himanshu Jangra’s controversial remarks.
Comedian Pranit More is facing heat left, right and centre after a distasteful comment was made during one of his stand-up shows. The entire controversy started after a 23-year-old man named Himanshu Jangra said he went on a date with a woman and paid Rs 370 for a plate of chicken biryani, and therefore, he deserved a “return” on his investment. This sleazy comment attracted brickbats from several corners and rightly so. Himanshu Jangra later apologised for his statement and also deactivated his social media accounts.
However, Pranit More is also not being spared as he enabled the comment and did not call out the man. Pranit More also apologised, saying the other man's comments didn't “reflect his views”. However, the public apology didn't land well with the internet and further backlash has now led to the comedian deactivating his Instagram account.
Pranit had about 3.8 million followers on Instagram. His account is no longer visible. However, his other Instagram account, named @maharashtrianbhau, still remains active. He has over 1 million followers on @maharashtrianbhau and regularly shares stand-up comedy content.
Speaking of the entire incident, Himanshu was seen sitting among the audience during Pranit More's act. When he got the mic, he said, "Maine kaha 370 rupay lage hain, main wasool toh karunga." The Gurgaon-based man further described how he had a conversation with a girl about taking her back to his room, and eventually insisted that she accompany him to a “dark” park.
He also said that the woman repeatedly expressed reluctance but eventually went to the park with Himanshu Jangra.
Earlier in his apology, Pranit More had said, "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 judgment on my part."
"I appreciate everyone who raised their concerns respectfully. I sincerely apologise for whatever happened, and I’ll take this lesson forward. I’m human, and like anyone else, I’m constantly learning," he concluded.
On Tuesday evening, Kusha Kapila also lashed out at the comment passed by Himanshu Jangra and she also traded barbs at Pranit More for not stopping the former in his tracks.
"Urge women to call out disgusting comedy plenty. Please darna mat. Bakwaas kiya he toh drag karo badiya se. Uploading a clip like that is a choice. Choosing to crack certain jokes and hosting that on your channel is a choice. This, btw, is not comedy. This is content designed to get a reaction. I am so glad that so many women are calling it out," she wrote on Instagram Stories.
“Bahut achcha lag raha hai! Bahut mazza aa raha hai! Aaj main apne paiso se order karke biryani khaungi," she added.
Kusha Kapila also slammed Pranit More's apology saying that he cannot escape accountability by saying it was an audience reaction.
Himanshu Jangra, who was working at Starvik Design, has also lost his job post the incident. After the row intensified, founder Vivek Vishwakarma took to Instagram to share that the company had terminated him. “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,” Vishwakarma said.
“That is why we have decided to part ways with him," he added.
