'I deserve this hate': Pranit More breaks silence on viral Rs 370 biryani controversy | WATCH

Weeks after the "Rs 370 biryani" controversy triggered widespread outrage online, stand-up comedian Pranit More has publicly apologised, admitting that he failed to intervene when a crowd member made remarks that many viewed as endorsing sexual coercion. Calling it his "biggest mistake", Pranit said the backlash against him was justified and appealed for an opportunity to rebuild public trust.

Facing mounting criticism over a crowd-work clip that spread rapidly across social media, More addressed the controversy in an Instagram video after regaining access to the platform.

"I deserve this hate," the comedian said, acknowledging that his conduct during the performance contributed to amplifying the problematic comments.

According to Pranit, the incident happened during an interactive segment of the show when a man in the audience made a series of offensive remarks. While the crowd responded with laughter, Pranit admitted that he got caught up in the moment instead of challenging what was being said.

"It was a lapse in judgment. I think it was my biggest mistake," he said. "I could have taken a stand at that moment, but I didn't."

The comedian further admitted that by reacting the way he did, he inadvertently provided a larger platform for the remarks, allowing the controversy to escalate.

"I want to apologise to everyone who was hurt by this. Whatever legal proceedings are underway, I am cooperating with the authorities," he said. "Please give me one chance. I want to become a better human being. This has been a learning experience. I'm working on myself and my content, and I hope people will see that change in my future work."

What is the Rs 370 Biryani controversy?

The controversy traces back to a stand-up performance of Pranit.

During the crowd-work session, a web developer, Himanshu Jangra, narrated an incident involving a date on which he had allegedly spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani. According to his account, when the woman later asked him to drop her home, he suggested that she owed him sexual favours because of the money he had spent.

The remark, captured on video and widely shared online, sparked outrage, with critics accusing those involved of normalising non-consensual behaviour and misogyny. Pranit, who was seen laughing during the exchange, soon found himself at the centre of the backlash alongside Jangra.

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The controversy has since attracted the attention of the National Commission for Women (NCW).

On Thursday, the commission summoned both Pranit and Jangra, stating that the comments made during the show appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards women.

The NCW has sought explanations from both individuals as part of its inquiry into the matter.

Amid growing public outrage, a Gurugram-based company terminated Jangra's employment over the viral remarks.