Malti Chahar slams Pranit More's Rs 370 biryani comedy, draws parallel with Peddi

Actor and filmmaker Malti Chahar has reacted strongly to the controversy over the Rs 370 biryani remark made during comedian Pranit More’s recent show, saying the episode shows why many women are hesitant about marriage and value their independence. Malti, who was linked to Pranit More during her stint in the Bigg Boss 19 house, shared her views on X on Wednesday as the clip continued to draw criticism online.

Her response also referred to the backlash around Peddi, filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana’s sports action drama starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, which has faced criticism from a section of viewers over the hyper-sexualisation of its female lead. In her post, Malti said such incidents reflect the same underlying mindset women continue to face despite generations of fighting for equality, dignity and respect.

The controversy began after a video posted by Pranit from one of his crowdwork sessions showed 23-year-old audience member Himanshu Jangra speaking about a date. In the clip, Himanshu said he had paid Rs 370 for a plate of chicken biryani and therefore deserved a “return” on his investment. The remark sparked outrage on social media, with both Himanshu and Pranit facing criticism. While the comment was made by Himanshu, Pranit was also criticised for laughing at the moment, encouraging it and uploading the clip online as part of the “comedy”.

Responding to the row, Malti wrote, “Rs 370 biryani and Peddi make you realise why many women are hesitant about marriage, why we value our independence, and why we choose to split the bill. Some women are even financially supporting men entirely.” She added, “Yet, we continue to be objectified, and a woman’s consent is apparently worth no more than a plate of biryani. After generations of fighting for equality, dignity, and respect, it’s disheartening that we’re still confronting the same underlying mindset.”

In the same note, she urged mothers and future mothers to teach their sons to respect women and understand consent. She wrote, “To all mothers and future mothers: please teach your sons to respect women and understand the importance of consent. And to the audience - it’s easy to dismiss something as ‘just a joke’ or ‘just a film,’ but media shapes culture, and women often face the real-life consequences of what gets normalised on screen.” Malti also said, “People make money by catering to the market, but as consumers, we also have a responsibility. Please be mindful of what you choose to support and encourage. Thank you.”

Mali and Pranit's Bigg Boss connection

Malti and Pranit had earlier drawn attention during Bigg Boss 19 because of their close friendship. At one stage, Malti clarified that there was nothing between them. However, their equation turned sour towards the end of the season.

After the backlash over the clip, Pranit issued an apology. In a statement, he 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.” Even after his response, several celebrities and influencers continued to criticise both Pranit and Himanshu over the incident.

Himanshu also apologised after the backlash and later deleted his social media accounts. He had been working at Starvik Design. As the controversy intensified, the company’s founder, Vivek Vishwakarma, said on Instagram that Himanshu had been terminated. The row has since drawn attention not only to the original remark at Pranit’s show, but also to the wider debate around consent, misogyny and how such behaviour is treated in entertainment and public culture.