Malti Chahar links Pranit More Rs 370 biryani row & Peddi backlash, targets normalisation of sexist jokes

Actor and filmmaker Malti Chahar has reacted to the controversy surrounding the Rs 370 biryani remark made during comedian Pranit More’s recent crowdwork show. Sharing her views on X, Malti said the incident highlights why many women choose independence and often remain cautious about marriage.

The debate began after a video from Pranit’s show went viral online. In the clip, 23 year old audience member Himanshu Jangra spoke about spending Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani during a date and suggested he deserved a “return” on that expense. The comment quickly sparked criticism on social media, with many users calling it insensitive and problematic.

While the remark was made by Himanshu, Pranit also faced backlash for laughing during the interaction and later uploading the clip as part of his crowdwork content. Critics argued that the moment should have been challenged instead of being treated as comedy.

Reacting to the row, Malti connected the incident to the ongoing criticism surrounding Peddi, the upcoming sports action film starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. A section of viewers has accused the film of promoting the hyper sexualisation of its female lead. Drawing a parallel between the two controversies, Malti wrote, “Rs 370 biryani and Peddi make you realise why many women are hesitant about marriage, why we value our independence, and why we choose to split the bill. Some women are even financially supporting men entirely.”

She further added, “Yet, we continue to be objectified, and a woman’s consent is apparently worth no more than a plate of biryani. After generations of fighting for equality, dignity, and respect, it’s disheartening that we’re still confronting the same underlying mindset.”

In the same post, Malti urged parents to educate sons about consent and respect. She wrote, “To all mothers and future mothers: please teach your sons to respect women and understand the importance of consent.” She also stressed that entertainment and media influence social attitudes and should not be dismissed as harmless.

Following the backlash, both Pranit and Himanshu issued public apologies. Pranit admitted that he should have challenged the remark instead of laughing and moving on. Himanshu also apologised and later deleted his social media accounts. The controversy has since widened into a larger discussion on consent, misogyny and the normalisation of such attitudes in public culture.