Comedian Pranit More appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday in connection with the controversy surrounding the now-viral ₹370 biryani remark made during one of his stand-up shows. Accompanied by audience member Himanshu Jangra, whose comments triggered the row, Pranit chose not to address the media and entered the commission’s office wearing a face mask.
Videos shared by news agency PTI showed the comedian arriving at the NCW office as reporters gathered outside seeking his response. Despite repeated questions from the media, Pranit remained silent and walked straight into the premises without making any statement.
The controversy dates back to a crowdwork clip uploaded by Pranit earlier this month. In the video, audience member Himanshu Jangra spoke about taking a woman on a date and spending ₹370 on a plate of chicken biryani. He then suggested that he deserved a “return” on his investment, remarks that drew widespread outrage for being misogynistic and objectifying women.
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The clip quickly sparked backlash on social media, prompting the National Commission for Women to take suo motu cognisance of the matter. The commission later summoned both Pranit and Himanshu for a hearing.
According to reports, the hearing was scheduled for June 22 at 4 pm. In its statement, the NCW expressed serious concern over content that trivialises such behaviour and presents it as entertainment. Sources quoted by PTI claimed that the commission rejected the apologies offered by the two.
During the proceedings, NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar reportedly expressed deep concern over the normalisation of degrading and insensitive content in the name of comedy. She emphasised that while the commission respects freedom of expression and artistic creativity, such freedom cannot be used to justify or glorify the violation of women’s dignity and bodily autonomy.
The chairperson also reportedly stressed that crimes like rape and murder should never be reduced to jokes or entertainment material.
Pranit More had earlier issued a public apology after facing criticism online. In his statement, he acknowledged that the comments made by the audience member did not reflect his own views and admitted that, in hindsight, he should have challenged the remarks instead of laughing and moving on.
Himanshu Jangra, the 23-year-old at the centre of the controversy, had also apologised and subsequently deleted his social media accounts.
Meanwhile, comedian Madhur Virli also appeared separately before the NCW over allegations of making derogatory remarks against women during a stand-up performance. Like Pranit, he too wore a face mask and left without commenting to the media.
The controversy has reignited discussions around the boundaries of comedy, creative freedom and the responsibility entertainers bear while dealing with sensitive subjects.
