Warning: This article contains references to rape that some readers may find disturbing.Samyuktha Hegde has become the latest celebrity to speak out against comedian Praneet More over the Rs 370 biryani controversy.
The actress strongly rejected his second apology and described the comments he made on his show as an example of rape culture, as backlash against the viral incident continues to mount on social media.
Samyukta Hegde’s angry response to Praneet More’s apology
Samyuktha Hegde did not hold back in her response, posting directly in the comments section of Pranit More’s Instagram account. I wrote, “Praneet, stop reading the teleprompter!! You didn’t get carried away or anything. This is who you really are. The way you roll around on stage and laugh like that is the best thing I’ve ever heard, it’s such a shame!! This is R@pe culture, your mind and most minds in our country are conditioned to believe that this is a good thing, but it is not. Your sorry means nothing!”She further added, “The disgust she feels is very clear and exposed. Not just you and that guy, but every human being in the room was a problem. Comedy becomes funny when r@pe is not normalized. Don’t sell anything as comedy and expect people to react well to it. A county where 4 r@pes are reported every hour, this is no joke!”
Praneet More issues a second apology
On Saturday, Praneet More posted a second apology via video statement, asking for a second chance to improve as a person.
He explained that he had wanted to address the issue for some time but was previously prevented from doing so as his Instagram account was temporarily suspended. He admitted his failure to intervene, saying: “I gave him a platform, which caused things to escalate a lot.”
What is the controversy over the Rs 370 biryani?
The controversy centers around Himanshu Jangra, who appeared as an audience member on Praneet More’s show and narrated that he went on a date with a woman for which he paid Rs 370 for a plate of chicken biryani. He implied that he was entitled to a “He comes back” On that investment. “Maine kaha 370 rupay lage hain, main wasool toh karunga (I spent 370 rupees, so I have to get something back),” Jangra said on the show.Praneet More laughed and gave him the opportunity to continue talking, which sparked widespread outrage once the clip spread online.
