Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Pranit More has returned to Instagram after a brief absence and issued a fresh public apology over the controversy surrounding the viral “Rs 370 biryani” crowdwork clip that sparked widespread criticism across social media.
In his statement, More described the incident as a “lapse of judgment” and acknowledged that he failed to respond appropriately when an audience member made remarks that many viewers considered regressive and insensitive. The comedian admitted that, instead of laughing along, he should have challenged the comments during the performance.
The clip, which quickly gained traction online, triggered an intense debate over the responsibilities of comedians during live audience interactions. Critics argued that remaining silent or appearing to endorse problematic remarks can contribute to normalising harmful attitudes, particularly on issues related to consent and gender.
Addressing the backlash, More clarified that the views expressed by the audience member do not reflect his personal beliefs. He said he understands why many people were hurt by the exchange and accepted that he could have handled the situation differently on stage.
The controversy soon extended beyond the comedy circuit, prompting discussions on social media about the limits of crowdwork, the influence of public entertainers and the fine line between humour and accountability.
While some users welcomed the comedian's apology as a sign of introspection, others questioned whether it came too late after the incident had already drawn nationwide attention.
The “Rs 370 biryani” episode has since become part of a larger conversation about evolving standards in stand-up comedy and the expectation that performers address, rather than amplify, discriminatory or offensive remarks made during live shows.
With his latest statement, Pranit More appears to be attempting to move forward from the controversy, though public opinion remains divided over whether the apology will be enough to rebuild trust among his audience.
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