A Gurugram-based web developer has lost his job after remarks he made during comedian Pranit More’s stand-up performance triggered a storm on social media, drawing criticism over issues of consent, gender attitudes and entitlement in modern dating. The incident, which began as an audience interaction at a comedy show, quickly escalated into a national conversation about behaviour that many viewed as deeply problematic.
The employee, identified as 23-year-old Himanshu Jangra, worked with Gurugram-based design firm Starvik Design. His comments during the show were widely circulated online after audience members shared clips from the performance, leading to intense public backlash and calls for accountability.
Stand-up comedian Pranit More mocked on girls when a person told that he served a girl biryani of ₹370.
— Shailesh UP60 (@Shailes34135660) June 7, 2026
₹370 Ka Biryani Khila Di Toh Vasool karne Ka Haq Mil Gya.
Yahi Soch Problem Hai... pic.twitter.com/YBN3PrYGfV
Viral comments ignite outrage
According to India Today, the controversy stems from Jangra’s account of a date during which he claimed to have spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani. While speaking during the show, he suggested that spending money on the date entitled him to some form of return, a statement that many social media users interpreted as reflecting a troubling attitude towards women and consent.
The situation drew further criticism when he described convincing the woman to accompany him to a secluded park despite her apparent reluctance. Viewers online expressed concern that the remarks appeared to normalise coercive behaviour and reduce relationships to transactional exchanges.
The video spread rapidly across social media platforms, prompting condemnation from users, activists and commentators. Comedian Pranit More also faced criticism after responding to the anecdote with humour during the performance, with many arguing that the remarks should not have been treated as entertainment.
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Company distances itself from remarks
According to India Today, in response to the growing controversy, Starvik Design founder Vivek Vishwakarma issued a public statement announcing Jangra’s termination. He clarified that the company neither endorsed nor agreed with the views expressed in the viral clips.
According to Vishwakarma, an internal review found no workplace complaints against Jangra, with colleagues describing him as professional and respectful in office settings. However, he said the issue had begun affecting the organisation’s reputation, employees and clients, making it necessary for the company to take action.
The company emphasised that while the remarks were made outside the workplace, the scale of public attention had created broader implications for the business.
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A wider conversation on consent
According to India Today, beyond the immediate fallout, the episode has reignited discussions about misogyny and dating culture in India. Many observers argue that the outrage reflects growing public intolerance towards attitudes that treat women as rewards for financial spending or view consent as negotiable.
The incident has highlighted how problematic beliefs can surface in everyday conversations, often disguised as jokes or casual storytelling. For many critics, the backlash was not simply about one viral comment but about challenging a mindset that continues to influence social interactions and relationships.
