Himanshu Jangra, the 22-year-old Haryana man at the centre of the viral “Rs 370 biryani” controversy, has spoken publicly about the fallout from his remarks at a stand-up comedy show, saying he is living with “regret” and struggling with the consequences of the nationwide backlash.
In a video shared by Gurugram-based Starvik Design, Jangra appeared in conversation with the company’s founder, Vivek Vishwakarma, days after losing his job and receiving legal notices over comments made during comedian Pranit More’s crowd-work segment.
“Sir, now I am in a very bad condition, I am very tense,” Jangra said. “When I look at my family now, I feel regret and keep thinking why I even went to that show.”
How The Controversy Started
The controversy erupted after a clip from Pranit More’s Gurugram performance went viral on social media. During an interaction with the comedian, Jangra recounted a date where he spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani and implied that the expenditure entitled him to sexual favours.
The comments drew widespread criticism online, with many accusing both Jangra and More of promoting coercive attitudes towards women. The comedian was also criticised for laughing during the exchange instead of challenging the remarks.
Following the backlash, both Jangra and More issued public apologies.
‘My Family Found Out Through Social Media’
Speaking about the aftermath, Jangra said the controversy initially remained limited to social media before eventually reaching his family and hometown.
“For about a week, nobody at home knew about it. Then my uncle saw the video and called me,” he said.
According to Jangra, his uncle questioned him about the incident and reprimanded him. Within days, the video had circulated among relatives, neighbours and members of his local community.
“The neighbours came to my house and told my parents that their son was in the video and that it was a shameful thing. That’s when my family got to know,” he said.
The situation worsened when news of his termination from Starvik Design reached his family.
“When they found out I had lost my job, they became extremely worried. Now there is a case against me and I have also received a notice,” Jangra said.
‘It Was My First Comedy Show’
Jangra explained that attending the event was a spontaneous decision and that it was his first-ever live stand-up comedy show.
“I had seen videos of the show online before. It usually happens in Mumbai and this was the first time it was being organised in Gurgaon. I thought I should attend once and see what it was like,” he said.
According to him, he became carried away by the atmosphere inside the venue.
Jangra Says Story Was Partly Improvised
Jangra admitted that some portions of the story he shared on stage were exaggerated.
“Yes, I dated a girl like that and we spent time together. But what I said on stage was not entirely true. I improvised parts of it,” he said.
He acknowledged using inappropriate language and apologised for his comments.
“I agree that I used wrong words. I would like to apologise for that.”
At the same time, Jangra insisted that the remarks did not reflect his actual views.
“I said those things in an entertaining way. I don’t have that mentality or intention in real life,” he claimed.
He also pointed to his professional record, saying he had worked with several female colleagues without any complaints.
‘The Environment Encouraged Me’
Jangra said the audience reaction and the comedian’s response influenced him to continue making remarks.
“The environment was such that people were taking everything as entertainment,” he said.
“The host was also treating it as entertainment. Seeing his confidence gave me a boost and I added more to the story.”
Following the controversy, Jangra deactivated his social media accounts and denied links to newly created profiles using his name.
Former Employer Explains Decision To Fire Him
Starvik Design founder Vivek Vishwakarma also spoke publicly about the incident, revealing how the controversy affected the company.
He said he initially paid little attention to the viral clips until customers, clients and members of the public began flooding the company’s social media pages with complaints and criticism.
“It was only after messages, emails and negative comments started coming in that I watched the complete video,” Vishwakarma said.
While describing the remarks as offensive, he said the behaviour was inconsistent with the employee he knew.
“That wasn’t the person I knew at the workplace. He was a good employee and that personality was completely different,” Vishwakarma said.
He also suggested that comedian Pranit More could have intervened earlier during the show.
Pranit More Issues Fresh Apology
Comedian Pranit More recently issued a second public apology, accepting responsibility for failing to challenge the comments during the performance.
“I deserve the hate,” More said.
“That man made several derogatory remarks, but because everyone was laughing, I also got carried away. It was a serious mistake.”
The comedian admitted he should have stopped the conversation immediately and acknowledged that giving Jangra a platform contributed to the controversy’s escalation.
NCW And Police Action
The issue has now attracted legal and regulatory attention.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and summoned both Jangra and More for a hearing scheduled on June 22.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has also written to the Haryana Director General of Police, seeking immediate action and a detailed Action Taken Report.
In its statement, the commission said it was concerned about the public normalisation of comments that appeared to glorify sexual coercion and undermine the principles of consent and dignity.
The commission warned that such remarks, when celebrated or laughed at publicly, could contribute to harmful attitudes toward women and have broader social consequences.