An audience member at a Pranit More comedy show was fired from his job after a clip of him detailing how he coerced a woman into a sexual encounter in return for some Biryani went viral on social media.
His comments at the show were labelled “disgusting and crude” by netizens who were appalled by the audacious behaviour the man showcased while he narrated how he demanded sexual intimacy from the woman he went out for a meal with.
Stand-up comedian Pranit More is also under fire for simply laughing off the man’s questionable words and actions towards the woman.
The viral clip at the centre of the incident was taken out of the crowd work segment at More’s show.
The audience member, Himanshu Jangra, was a 23-year-old web developer from Gurugram.
In the clip, Jangra describes how he went on a date with a woman in her late 20s and spent Rs 370 for a plate of chicken biriyani. He reportedly met the woman at his co-working space.
After the meal, he suggested that the woman give him something in return since he paid for the meal, alluding to sexual and physical intimacy. “Maine kaha ki Rs 370 lage hain to use to wasool to karunga hi (I told her that since I spent Rs 370, I would make sure I got my money’s worth)” he said.
Jangra then says that the woman asked to be dropped off at home. However, he kept insisting that he get his money's worth and even took the reluctant woman to a park.
He then goes on to describe kissing the woman and said that to "complete unfinished business", he put his hand inside her top.
Another disturbing aspect of the clip, apart from the man’s lewd narration, was the audience and Pranit More’s reaction to the story.
The clip soon went viral with thousands slamming Jangra, More and the audience at the show, who just clapped along and laughed at the incident that very clearly resembled sexual coercion.
Netizens also dug up Jangra’s workplace details and his background. They found that he worked for Gurugram-based design and branding firm Starvik Design.
In a video statement, the founder of the company, Vivek Vishwakarma, said that the company was flooded with hundreds of messages, emails and calls regarding Jangra.
He said that the comments Jangra made were offensive and did not represent the company’s values.
Vishwakarma also said that the company conducted an internal review. Colleagues, including women employees, described the man as professional and hardworking, with no complaints at work.
Despite this, Vishwakarma said that the company is parting ways with Jangra because "What happened outside the workplace has now affected the workplace, and I have a responsibility towards the company, our team, our clients, and the environment we create here."
He also said that he hopes the man reflects and grows.
The controversy has ignited a widespread discussion around consent, dating, sexual coercion, and the idea of being entitled to sexual intimacy after paying for food.
