Gurugram man fired over his Rs 370 biryani story is at the centre of a new debate

The fallout from the viral "Rs 370 biryani" controversy is no longer limited to outrage over the comments themselves. After the audience member at the centre of the storm, Himanshu Jangra, was fired by his employer, social media has become a battleground over a different question: where should accountability end and punishment begin?

Jangra went viral after recounting an incident involving a date during comedian Pranit More's crowd work. In the clip, Jangra suggested that because he had spent Rs 370 on a plate of biryani for a woman, he wanted to do ‘paisa vasool’ and expected something in return.

The comment sparked widespread criticism online, with many viewers describing them as misogynistic and reflective of a troubling sense of entitlement towards women.

The backlash intensified when Jangra's employer, Gurugram-based Starvik Design, announced that it had terminated his employment. The decision quickly shifted the conversation from the story to a broader question: should people lose their jobs over comments made outside the workplace?

A large section of the internet agreed strongly. People argued that the issue was not a joke gone wrong but a mindset that normalises coercion and transactional attitudes towards women.

One user pointed to old social media posts allegedly linked to Jangra and wrote, "Anyone showing sympathy with that biryani guy who got fired, this is what his thinking is."

However, some social media users argued that while the comments deserved criticism, termination was an excessive punishment.

One widely shared post read: "What he said was wrong. What he thinks is wrong. Being a woman, I wouldn't feel safe around this guy. But losing a job is a big thing." The user added that public backlash and an apology should have been sufficient consequences.

Others questioned whether professional penalties should be linked to personal views expressed publicly. "Apparently, the guy at the Pranit More comedy show has lost his job over the Rs 370 biryani joke. Did he deserve to get fired?" asked another user.

The debate has also pulled comedian Pranit More into the spotlight. While many viewed him as an equal offender for making the ‘Peak Gurgaon thing’ comment, others questioned how such conversations are handled during live performances.

Beyond the arguments over cancellation, punishment and free speech, the episode has reopened an important conversation about misogyny in everyday life. The strongest reactions were not necessarily about a plate of biryani or a lost job, but about attitudes towards consent, entitlement and respect.