23 June,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pranit More. Pic via Instagram
Comedian Pranit More found himself amid a controversy earlier this month after an audience member made insensitive comments about women on his show. The 23-year-old man named Himanshu Jangra later apologised and deleted his social media accounts. Similarly, Pranit also apologised and stated that the âcomments made by the audience member do not reflect my views'. Nevertheless, the National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance of the comment and summoned them in the matter.
On June 23, Pranit and Himanshu Jangra appeared before the NCW in connection with the Rs 370 biryani remark controversy. According to a new video shared by PTI on its official X account, Pranit is seen wearing a mask as he made his way towards the NCW office. Several media personnel tried to question him and ask for his comments, but the comedian avoided the media.
The commission had reportedly scheduled a hearing in the case at 4 PM. In a press note, the women's council raised serious concern about the jokes being made, which seemingly trivialised the conduct and presented it as entertainment. PTI reported that the NCW rejected their apology. During the proceedings, chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar voiced profound anguish and concern over such demeaning content being promoted and normalised under the name of comedy.
She firmly stated that while the commission supports creative freedom, it does not extend to normalising the violation of women's bodily autonomy or converting heinous crimes such as rape and murder into material for entertainment.
Additionally, Comedian Madhur Virli also appeared separately over derogatory remarks against women made during a stand-up performance. He also covered his face with a mask and walked out of the premises without offering any comment on the matter.
In a video posted by Pranit showing him doing crowdwork during a show, Himanshu Jangra shared he went on a date with a woman, wherein he paid Rs 370 for a plate of chicken biryani, and therefore deserved a "return" on his investment. Pranit was seen laughing at the comment in the moment. The comedian also uploaded the video on social media, and later apologised after receiving backlash.
"I've seen the criticism regarding a recent crowdwork clip. The comments made by the audience member do not reflect my views. Looking back, I should have challenged the remark instead of laughing and moving on," Pranit said in his apology.
