As comedian Pranit More continues to face criticism over the now-viral ‘Rs 370 biryani’ remark from one of his stand-up shows, actor Ranvir Shorey appears to have weighed in on the broader debate surrounding comedy and public outrage. On Thursday, the actor took to X and urged people to stop taking offense at jokes.“STOP OUTRAGING OVER COMEDY, INDIA! A SOCIETY THAT DISRESPECTS COMEDY AND COMEDIANS SLOWLY LOSES THE ABILITY TO INTROSPECT. JAI COMEDY! ✊🏽,” he wrote.Although Shorey did not directly reference Pranit More or the controversy, many social media users interpreted his post as a show of support for the comedian amid the backlash. The discussion continued in the comments section, where one user argued that “there is a thin line between humour and passive aggression.” Responding to the remark, Shorey shared his thoughts on the growing culture of online outrage.“No, online outrage over jokes and comedy has become a platform for attention seekers and seethers! Many of them anonymous. Regular folks just trying to have a good laugh are being targeted for nothing!” he replied.In another response, the actor encouraged people to simply move on from content they do not enjoy rather than launching coordinated criticism.“Laugh on the jokes you like, and ignore the ones you don’t! No need to turn into a lynch mob!” he wrote.While Shorey’s comments have been viewed by many as a defence of Pranit More, several public figures have expressed disappointment over the incident. Among those who reacted critically are Rashami Desai, Ayesha Khan, Malti Chahar and Kusha Kapila.The controversy traces back to one of Pranit More’s live performances, during which audience member Himanshu Jangra became part of an on-stage interaction. During the exchange, Jangra spoke about spending approximately Rs 370 on biryani during a date. However, the conversation drew widespread criticism after he implied that paying for the meal entitled him to intimacy in return.As clips from the show circulated online, many viewers condemned the remark, arguing that it reduced dating to a transaction and suggested that a woman’s consent or affection could be expected in exchange for money spent on a meal. The incident has since sparked a larger conversation around comedy, audience participation and accountability in public performances.
