Pranit More deactivates Instagram amid backlash over viral Rs 370 biryani clip

Amid growing outrage over the viral Rs 370 ki biryani controversy, comedian and Bigg Boss 19 contestant Pranit More appears to have deactivated one of his Instagram accounts. His main Instagram profile (@rjpranit) is now unavailable, following heavy online criticism over a viral crowdwork clip from one of his recent stand-up shows.

Last week, Pranit shared the viral video, which featured an audience member, later identified as 23-year-old Himanshu Jangra from Gurugram, Haryana, sharing a bizarre dating experience. The clip garnered traction online with several users criticising More and Jangra.

On Tuesday, Jangra was fired from his job following the backlash. A day later, on Wednesday, Pranit More's Instagram account also appeared to go offline.

Here's the screenshot:

However, his other account, @maharashtrianbhau, with over one million followers still exists, where he regularly shares Marathi stand-up comedy content.

Take a look here:

All about the controversy

The controversy began after Jangra recalled his dating incident in the viral clip. He implied that he spent around Rs 370 on a chicken biryani during a date with a girl, entitling him to something in return. Explaining his reaction, he suggested that because he had spent Rs 370 on the meal, he was entitled to a "return" on his investment in the form of physical intimacy. He said, "Maine kaha ki Rs 370 lage hain to use to wasool to karunga hi."

The remarks quickly drew online backlash from social media users, who criticised both the comments and More’s decision to encourage Jangra's comment and then post the clip on Instagram. He also shared the video on his YouTube account, which also seems now deleted.

Additionally, several influencers, including Uorfi Javed, Kusha Kapila and Dolly Singh, among others, accused the comedian of normalising problematic behaviour. The backlash soon spread across platforms, with many users demanding accountability from both Jangra and the comedian.

Responding to the criticism, Pranit More issued an apology on Instagram. He wrote, "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 (sic)."

See his apology note here:

Confirming the termination of Himanshu Jangra, who was employed at Starvik Design, the company's founder, Vivek Vishwakarma, shared a statement on Instagram addressing the controversy. He revealed that the company had been inundated with messages, emails and calls about Jangra after the clips gained widespread attention online.

"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.

He further stated that the company carried out an internal review and spoke with several employees, including women who had worked closely with Jangra. According to Vishwakarma, no complaints had ever been raised against him within the workplace.

In fact, colleagues described him as "professional, respectful, hardworking, and well-behaved at work". However, Vishwakarma noted that the issue had grown beyond a personal matter and was beginning to impact the company.

"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 terminate Jangra's employment.

Several public figures, including Sutapa Sikdar, Khushboo Patani and Malti Chahar, have recently reacted to the controversy.