Himanshu Jangra, who was employed at Starvik Design, came under intense public scrutiny after a video from comedian Pranit More's stand-up performance surfaced online. In the clip, Jangra recounted a date during which he spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani and suggested that the expense entitled him to receive something in return from the woman he was with.
As the video spread across social media platforms, thousands of users condemned the remarks, describing them as deeply problematic and reflective of a troubling mindset toward women and relationships.
Company Responds to Backlash
Amid growing public pressure, Starvik Design founder Vivek Vishwakarma issued a statement on Instagram confirming that Jangra's employment had been terminated.
According to Vishwakarma, the company received hundreds of emails, messages, and calls after the clips went viral. While he clarified that Jangra's comments did not reflect the values of the organisation, he also acknowledged the broader impact the controversy had begun to have on the workplace.
"Let me be very clear, the statements shown in those clips are offensive. They are not something I agree with. They are not something our company stands for, and they certainly should not be influencing young minds," Vishwakarma said.
The founder revealed that the company conducted an internal review and consulted employees, including female colleagues who had worked with Jangra. No workplace complaints were found against him, and coworkers reportedly described him as professional, respectful, hardworking, and well-behaved during his tenure.
However, Vishwakarma stated that the issue had extended beyond Jangra's personal conduct outside the office and was now affecting the company's reputation and work environment.
"What happened outside the workplace has now affected the workplace, and I have a responsibility towards the company, our team, our clients, and the environment we create here," he explained.
Viral Remarks Draw Condemnation
The controversy originated during an audience interaction at comedian Pranit More's stand-up show. While speaking to the comedian, Jangra described a date where he spent Rs 370 on chicken biryani and remarked, "Maine kaha 370 rupay lage hain, main wasool toh karunga," implying that his spending justified expectations from the woman.
The situation escalated further when he described convincing the woman to accompany him to a dark park despite her apparent reluctance and repeated hesitation.
Many social media users interpreted the comments as displaying a sense of entitlement and a disregard for consent, leading to widespread condemnation online.
Pranit More also faced criticism after laughing at the remarks and responding with the comment, "Peak Gurgaon content." Critics argued that treating such statements as a joke risked normalising harmful attitudes toward women.
Larger Debate on Consent and Gender Attitudes
Beyond the immediate backlash, the incident has sparked broader discussions about patriarchal attitudes that continue to influence dating culture and interpersonal relationships.
Many commentators argued that the controversy resonated because it highlighted beliefs that are not confined to the fringes of society but often emerge in everyday conversations, casual storytelling, and humour. Critics pointed out that the outrage stemmed from concerns that such attitudes can trivialise consent and reduce women to rewards or obligations rather than autonomous individuals.
The episode has become a flashpoint in an ongoing debate about respect, accountability, and the role of public discourse in challenging harmful social attitudes. For many observers, the reaction underscored a growing unwillingness to dismiss such views as harmless jokes, particularly when they touch on issues of consent and gender equality.
