The figure has flooded memes, reaction videos, opinion posts, and comment sections across platforms. What started as a seemingly ordinary moment during a stand-up comedy show quickly snowballed into a wider conversation about dating culture, consent, and expectations in modern relationships.
As the debate intensified, influencers, content creators, and public figures joined the discussion, offering their perspectives on the issue. Brands also found themselves unexpectedly drawn into the controversy when a screenshot allegedly linked to food delivery platform Zomato began circulating online, adding another layer to the viral discourse.
Zomato Denies Involvement
Amid the growing online chatter, Zomato stepped forward to address a screenshot that was being widely shared on social media.
The company posted a clarification on LinkedIn along with a graphic carrying the message: “Biryani is dinner, not consent.”
Accompanying the graphic, Zomato wrote, “An important clarification.”
The company further stated that the viral notification circulating online was fabricated.
“The screenshot of the distasteful notification you may have seen with our name is fake. We did not write or send it,” the company said.
The Viral Screenshot
The screenshot that gained traction online appeared to show a promotional notification reading: “Biryani bhejdu? Rs 370 ki hai bas.”
Many users initially believed the message had been sent by Zomato, prompting widespread reactions and criticism before the company clarified that the notification was not authentic.
How the Rs 370 Biryani Debate Began
The controversy can be traced back to a crowd-work segment from comedian Pranit More’s stand-up show.
In the now-viral clip, an audience member, later identified as Himanshu Jangra, recounted a dating experience involving a chicken biryani that cost Rs 370. During the interaction, he suggested that paying for the meal created an expectation that he should receive something in return from the woman he was dating.
The remarks quickly drew backlash online, with many social media users criticizing the implication that spending money on a date could entitle someone to intimacy or affection.
Debate Expands Beyond Comedy
What began as a joke shared during a comedy performance soon evolved into a broader discussion about consent, gender dynamics, and transactional expectations in relationships.
While some viewed the incident as a reflection of problematic attitudes toward dating, others debated issues such as who should pay on dates and whether financial gestures create obligations. The conversation spread far beyond the original comedy clip, becoming one of the most talked-about topics on Indian social media.
With the viral Rs 370 biryani reference continuing to dominate online discussions, the episode has highlighted how a single comment can rapidly transform into a nationwide debate in the age of social media.
