Stand-up comedian Pranit More, who is in the headlines these days for all the wrong reasons, has issued a second apology on Saturday over the Rs 370 Biryani remark made by a participant at his show some time ago, the video clip of which went viral and kicked up a row. Notably, he had earlier issued a video seeking pardon after drawing backlash from netizens, and the second video has surfaced on Saturday, in which he is seen admitting that he failed to intervene when an audience member made comments that many found misogynistic, as well as offensive.
A screengrab from More's stand-up piece's viral clip
The controversy has been gaining momentum after numerous video clips from his stand-up piece began making rounds on the internet.
“I deserve this hate”: More
In the fresh video issued on Saturday, More said, “I deserve this hate. That man said many derogatory things, but everyone was laughing, so I also got carried away. This was a big mistake. I could have stopped him then and there and taken a stand.”
Audience interaction sparks nationwide debate
The controversy stems from a crowd-interaction segment during a show in Gurugram. During More’s exchange with the audience, a man identified as Himanshu Jangra, a web developer by profession, told the audience that he had spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani while on a date with a woman. When asked what happened afterwards, Jangra claimed he sought sexual favors in lieu of the amount spent on the biryani.
During Jangra’s revelations, More and other people from the audience were seen laughing, prompting outrage after clips from the show made it to social media platforms. Both More and Jangra apologised later, but criticism against More intensified. Many people argued that he should have challenged the statement rather than encouraging the atmosphere through laughter.
Jangra (Left) and More (Right)
FIR already registered against More, Jangra; political leaders respond
On Thursday, the Maharashtra Police’s cyber-cell department registered a First Information Report (FIR) against More, Jangra and other people. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women stepped in, issuing summons to the duo. It said the duo’s conduct appeared to normalise sexual coercion and non-consensual behaviour. Meanwhile, Jangra was sacked from his company after facing heat online.
The issue widened further when another video clip from the stand-up piece surfaced online, in which Dr Sejal Pawar, an MBBS student, was seen making derogatory remarks about medical cadavers and male bodies used for educational purposes. This clip too met the same fate as Jangra’s one, compelling Dr Pawar to issue a video statement and seek apology.
Subsequently, the KEM Hospital in Mumbai, where Pawar is enrolled as a student, constituted a two-member inquiry committee to examine the case.
Dr Sejal Pawar, who too became a focal point of the controversy
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis also voiced his opinion over the issue on Friday. Although he acknowledged that stand-up comedy remains as a popular form of entertainment, freedom of expression should never become a license to undermine another person’s dignity.