After Rs 370 Biryani row on Pranit More's show, Gurugram company fires Himanshu Jangra
What started as a joke at a stand-up comedy show has now cost a young man his job and sparked a much larger conversation online
What started as a joke at a stand-up comedy show has now cost a young man his job and sparked a much larger conversation online about dating, entitlement, accountability and second chances.Himanshu Jangra, the Gurugram-based web developer who recently went viral after making controversial comments during comedian Pranit More's show, has been fired by his employer following days of intense backlash on social media.The controversy began when Jangra, while interacting with Pranit during a live audience segment, spoke about a date where he had spent ₹370 on chicken biryani. He then suggested that because he had paid for the meal, he expected something in return from the woman. His remarks, which many interpreted as implying physical intimacy, quickly spread across social media platforms and triggered widespread criticism.As clips from the show went viral, thousands of users slammed the comments, arguing that paying for dinner does not create any obligation or entitlement.Soon after, attention shifted to Jangra's workplace.His employer, Gurugram-based branding and social media company Starvik Design, found itself flooded with messages, emails and calls from people demanding action.The company's founder, Vivek Vishwakarma, eventually addressed the situation in a video shared on Instagram.He made it clear that the remarks did not align with the company's values and said the incident had begun affecting the workplace itself.According to Vishwakarma, the issue was no longer limited to something said outside office hours.
The growing controversy had started impacting the company, its employees, clients and overall work environment. As a result, the firm decided to part ways with Jangra.The decision received support from many online users who felt there should be consequences for such comments.But the story didn't end there.What really got people talking was another part of Vishwakarma's statement.While condemning the remarks, he also spoke about the possibility of growth and learning. He said he had spoken to people within the company, including female employees, and was told that Jangra had generally been professional and respectful in the workplace.Vishwakarma argued that while actions should have consequences, society should also leave room for people to reflect, apologise and change.He pointed out that Jangra is only 22 and will likely carry the consequences of this incident for a long time.That attempt to strike a balance between accountability and redemption immediately divided the internet.Some users appreciated the fact that he condemned the comments while also acknowledging that people can learn from mistakes.Others were far less convinced.Many critics accused him of softening the seriousness of the remarks by talking about second chances.
The BriefWire