Rs 370 Biryani Controversy: FIR Filed Against Comedian Pranit More and Others
Mumbai, 13th June 2026: A crowd-work joke at a stand-up comedy show has spiralled into one of the most talked-about controversies on Indian social media this week, drawing in comedians, medical students, cyber police, and even hospital authorities.
The row began after clips from comedian Pranit More’s show went viral online. In one of the videos, audience member and software developer Himanshu Jangra spoke about spending Rs 370 on chicken biryani during a date and jokingly suggested that he expected sex in return. The exchange quickly spread across X and Instagram, with users criticising both the remark and the laughter it received during the performance.
As the clip gained traction, Jangra found himself at the centre of online backlash. Screenshots, reactions, and long discussion threads flooded social media, with many users debating consent, dating expectations, and whether comments made during comedy shows should be treated differently from statements made elsewhere.
Just as the discussion appeared to be settling, another viral clip added fuel to the controversy.
This time, MBBS student Dr Sejal Pawar came under scrutiny after remarks she made during a comedy set about anatomy classes and cadavers were widely shared online. The comments triggered criticism from members of the medical community, who argued that body donors deserve dignity and respect even in casual discussions.
The controversy soon moved beyond social media.
KEM Hospital in Mumbai announced that it had initiated an inquiry into the matter and described the remarks as insensitive towards body donors. Several medical associations also demanded an apology and action against those involved.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cyber Police registered an FIR on June 11 against Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, Sejal Pawar and others in connection with allegedly objectionable content circulated online. Authorities have stated that the matter is under investigation.
Since then, reactions have continued to pour in from all sides. Pawar issued a public apology, saying she did not intend to disrespect body donors or hurt anyone’s sentiments. More also addressed the controversy, admitting that he could have handled the situation differently during the performance.
What started as a few minutes of stand-up comedy has now evolved into a broader debate about internet outrage, accountability, professional ethics and the boundaries of humour. While supporters argue that comedy often pushes uncomfortable conversations into the spotlight, critics say certain subjects cannot be brushed aside as “just jokes.”
For now, the investigation is ongoing, but the incident has once again highlighted how quickly a viral clip can move from a comedy stage to police complaints, institutional inquiries and a nationwide conversation.
