Stand-up comedian Praneet More has found himself at the centre of a major social media controversy after a crowd work clip from one of his recent shows went viral. The video has drawn widespread criticism, with many users accusing the comedian of failing to challenge a problematic remark made by an audience member.
As the backlash continues, an old incident involving Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has resurfaced online. Many social media users are now recalling the time Salman had publicly advised Praneet not to “go below the belt” in the name of comedy.
The Viral ₹370 Biryani Clip
The controversy began during one of Praneet More’s live performances when an audience member narrated a story about spending ₹370 on a chicken biryani date.
While sharing the incident, the man allegedly suggested that the money he spent entitled him to physical intimacy. His remark quickly shocked viewers after the clip was shared online.
Many people were not only upset by the audience member’s statement but also questioned Praneet’s reaction during the interaction. Critics argued that instead of challenging the comment, the comedian laughed and allowed the conversation to continue, which they felt indirectly normalised the behaviour.
The clip soon spread across social media platforms, triggering debates about the limits of crowd work and the responsibility comedians have while interacting with audiences.
Salman Khan’s Earlier Warning Comes Back Into Focus
Amid the controversy, many users began sharing an older incident from Praneet More’s stint on Bigg Boss 19 in 2025.
At the time, some of the comedian’s older stand-up clips had resurfaced online. One particular joke involved Salman Khan’s famous turquoise bracelet.
During a crowd interaction, Praneet had reportedly asked a woman wearing a similar bracelet whether she had ever visited Salman’s Panvel farmhouse. The joke received criticism from many viewers, who felt it crossed personal boundaries.
The matter was later discussed on Weekend Ka Vaar, where Salman Khan directly addressed the issue.
The superstar acknowledged that comedians often use celebrities in their acts but stressed that there should be certain limits.
Salman reportedly told Praneet that he was aware of the jokes made about him and understood that comedians aim to entertain audiences. However, he added that humour should not cross personal boundaries and advised him not to “go below the belt.”
Following the latest controversy, many social media users have pointed to Salman’s comments as a reminder that comedy also comes with responsibility.
Praneet More Responds to the Criticism
As criticism grew, Praneet More issued a statement on Instagram addressing the viral clip.
The comedian clarified that the audience member’s comments did not reflect his own personal beliefs. Looking back, he admitted that he could have handled the situation differently.
According to his statement, he should have challenged the remark instead of laughing and moving on, calling it a lapse in judgment on his part.
His apology received mixed reactions online. While some appreciated that he accepted responsibility, others felt the response came only after the controversy escalated.
Instagram Account Reportedly Deactivated
As the backlash intensified, users noticed that Praneet More’s Instagram profile appeared to have been deactivated or temporarily disabled.
Searches for his account reportedly showed no followers or following, leading to speculation that the comedian had stepped away from social media amid the criticism.
However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the status of the account.
A Larger Debate Around Comedy and Accountability
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the role of comedians during crowd work performances.
Unlike scripted stand-up acts, crowd work relies heavily on spontaneous interactions with audience members. Many believe comedians have the freedom to improvise, while others argue they also have a responsibility to challenge offensive or harmful remarks instead of turning them into jokes.
The controversy has also reignited discussions about the fine line between humour and sensitivity, especially in the age of social media where short clips can reach millions within minutes.
For now, Praneet More’s viral video and Salman Khan’s earlier advice continue to dominate online conversations, with many debating where comedy should draw the line and what responsibilities entertainers carry when their words influence a large audience.
