Gurugram man fired after backlash over Rs 370 biryani story at Pranit More's show
Gurugram-based Starvik Design has terminated web developer Himanshu Jangra after his remarks during comedian Pranit More's stand-up show drew online outrage. The episode has widened into a debate on misogyny.
A Gurugram-based web developer has been fired after remarks he made during comedian Pranit More's stand-up show triggered widespread outrage online and ignited a larger conversation about misogyny, entitlement, and the treatment of women in dating.
Himanshu Jangra, 23, who worked at Starvik Design, came under intense scrutiny after a video from the show showed him describing how he expected a "return" after spending Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani during a date.
Confirming his termination, Starvik Design founder Vivek Vishwakarma released a statement on Instagram addressing the controversy. He said he had received hundreds of messages, emails and calls regarding Jangra after the clips went viral.
"Let me be very clear, the statements shown in those clips are offensive. They are not something I agree with. They are not something our company stands for, and they certainly should not be influencing young minds," Vishwakarma said.
The founder added that the company conducted an internal review and spoke with employees, including women colleagues who had worked with Jangra. According to Vishwakarma, there were no complaints against him in the workplace.
In fact, colleagues described him as "professional, respectful, hardworking, and well-behaved at work". However, he emphasised that the controversy had moved beyond an individual's personal life and had begun affecting the organisation itself.
"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, explaining the decision to part ways with the employee.
Watch the video:
The controversy began when Jangra participated in an interaction during Pranit More's stand-up performance. Speaking from the audience, he recounted a date where he spent Rs 370 on chicken biryani and felt entitled to something in return. "Maine kaha 370 rupay lage hain, main wasool toh karunga," he said, implying that his expenditure justified expectations from the woman he was with.
The remarks became even more alarming as he went on to describe persuading the woman to accompany him to a dark park despite her visible reluctance and repeated hesitation.
Clips of the interaction quickly spread across social media, drawing condemnation from users who criticised what they viewed as a disturbing sense of entitlement and disregard for consent. The backlash snowballed for More as well, since he laughed at the statement and responded, "Peak Gurgaon content."
Beyond the immediate outrage, the episode has sparked a wider discussion about patriarchal attitudes that continue to shape dating and relationships.
The controversy serves as a reminder that some of the most troubling beliefs about women do not exist on the fringes of society; they often surface in everyday conversations, casual anecdotes and jokes. The backlash was swift because people recognised something deeper in the remarks; a mindset that treats consent as an obstacle and women as rewards. That, many argued, is no laughing matter.
A Gurugram-based web developer has been fired after remarks he made during comedian Pranit More's stand-up show triggered widespread outrage online and ignited a larger conversation about misogyny, entitlement, and the treatment of women in dating.
Himanshu Jangra, 23, who worked at Starvik Design, came under intense scrutiny after a video from the show showed him describing how he expected a "return" after spending Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani during a date.
Confirming his termination, Starvik Design founder Vivek Vishwakarma released a statement on Instagram addressing the controversy. He said he had received hundreds of messages, emails and calls regarding Jangra after the clips went viral.
"Let me be very clear, the statements shown in those clips are offensive. They are not something I agree with. They are not something our company stands for, and they certainly should not be influencing young minds," Vishwakarma said.
The founder added that the company conducted an internal review and spoke with employees, including women colleagues who had worked with Jangra. According to Vishwakarma, there were no complaints against him in the workplace.
In fact, colleagues described him as "professional, respectful, hardworking, and well-behaved at work". However, he emphasised that the controversy had moved beyond an individual's personal life and had begun affecting the organisation itself.
"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, explaining the decision to part ways with the employee.
Watch the video:
The controversy began when Jangra participated in an interaction during Pranit More's stand-up performance. Speaking from the audience, he recounted a date where he spent Rs 370 on chicken biryani and felt entitled to something in return. "Maine kaha 370 rupay lage hain, main wasool toh karunga," he said, implying that his expenditure justified expectations from the woman he was with.
The remarks became even more alarming as he went on to describe persuading the woman to accompany him to a dark park despite her visible reluctance and repeated hesitation.
Clips of the interaction quickly spread across social media, drawing condemnation from users who criticised what they viewed as a disturbing sense of entitlement and disregard for consent. The backlash snowballed for More as well, since he laughed at the statement and responded, "Peak Gurgaon content."
Beyond the immediate outrage, the episode has sparked a wider discussion about patriarchal attitudes that continue to shape dating and relationships.
The controversy serves as a reminder that some of the most troubling beliefs about women do not exist on the fringes of society; they often surface in everyday conversations, casual anecdotes and jokes. The backlash was swift because people recognised something deeper in the remarks; a mindset that treats consent as an obstacle and women as rewards. That, many argued, is no laughing matter.
