While comedian Pranit More continues to face criticism for his ‘Rs 370 biryani’ remark on one of his shows, the actor Ranveer Shorey seems to have weighed on the wider debate about comedy and public outrage. On Thursday, the actor took to X and asked people to stop insulting him with the jokes.“STOP GETTING ANGRY FOR COMEDY, INDIA! A SOCIETY THAT DOESN’T RESPECT COMEDY AND COMEDIAN LOSES THE CAPACITY OF INTROSPECTION ON A NICE SITE. CELEBRATE COMEDY! ✊🏽,” he wrote.Although Shorey did not directly mention Pranit More or the controversy, many social media users interpreted his post as a show of support for the comedian amid backlash. The debate continued in the comments section, where one user argued that “there’s a fine line between humor and passive aggression.” In response to the remarks, Shorey shared his thoughts on the growing culture of outrage online.“No, online outrage has become a platform for attention seekers for jokes and comedy! Many of them anonymous. Ordinary people trying to have a good laugh are being targeted for nothing!” he answeredIn another response, the actor encouraged people to move past content they don’t like instead of posting coordinated criticism.“Laugh at the jokes you like, and ignore the ones you don’t! No need to become a lynch mob!” he wroteWhile Shorey’s comments have been seen as a defense of Pranit More, several public figures have expressed disappointment with the incident. Those who reacted critically include Rashami Desai, Ayesha Khan, Malti Chahar and Kusha Kapila.The controversy stems from a live performance by Pranit More, in which audience member Himanshu Jangra became part of an on-stage interaction. In return, Jangra talked about spending roughly Rs 370 on biryani on a date. However, the interview drew a lot of criticism when he claimed that paying for the meal was in exchange for a right to privacy.As clips of the show circulated online, many viewers decried the comment, arguing that it reduced dating to a transaction and that a woman’s consent or love could be expected in exchange for money spent on a meal. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about comedy, audience participation and responsibility in public performances.
