Himanshu Jangra, the former web developer at Gurgaon-based Starvik Design, has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his remarks about a Rs 370 chicken biryani date. In a recent statement, Jangra claimed that he 'improvised' the dating story during his appearance on comedian Pranit More's show and expressed regret for participating in the program.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after a video clip from More's show went viral, showing Jangra making derogatory and distasteful comments. He spoke about feeling entitled to a 'payback' in the form of physical intimacy for the biryani he had paid for. The remarks sparked widespread outrage on social media, leading to his termination from Starvik Design.
Jangra's Explanation
In his defense, Jangra stated that the story was not entirely true and was embellished for comedic effect. 'I improvised the story to fit the show's format. I never intended to offend anyone, and I deeply regret my words,' he said. He also apologized to those who felt hurt by his comments.
Reactions from the Comedy Community
The incident has ignited a debate about the boundaries of comedy and the responsibility of comedians. Several stand-up artists have weighed in, with some criticizing Jangra's remarks as harmful and others calling for a more nuanced understanding of improvisation. Pranit More has not yet commented on the matter.
Impact on Jangra's Career
Jangra's firing from Starvik Design has been a major consequence of the viral video. He acknowledged the loss of his job but emphasized that he is focused on learning from the experience. 'I made a mistake, and I am paying for it. I hope to move forward and be more mindful in the future,' he added.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the culture of online shaming and the speed at which careers can be affected by viral content. As the story continues to unfold, many are watching to see how the comedy scene in India addresses such issues.
