‘Biryani bhejdu? Rs 370 ki hai bas’ to ‘Biryani is dinner, not consent’: Amid Pranit More controversy, Zomato clarifies viral notification is fake

For days now, social media has been unusually fixated on a very specific number: Rs 370.

The figure has appeared in memes, opinion posts, reaction videos, and endless comment threads. What began as a moment during a stand-up comedy show quickly turned into a larger internet debate, with discussions moving beyond jokes and into conversations around dating, consent, and expectations in relationships.

As the controversy continued to grow, it started pulling in people who had nothing to do with the original clip. Influencers weighed in. Public figures shared their views. Brands found themselves being mentioned in posts connected to the debate. Then came a screenshot that appeared to show a notification from food delivery platform Zomato, adding another twist to an already viral conversation.

The screenshot spread rapidly online. But Zomato says it has nothing to do with it.

Zomato issues clarification

Amid the ongoing online discussion, Zomato publicly addressed a screenshot that was being widely shared on social media.

The company posted a statement on LinkedIn along with a graphic carrying the message: “Biryani is dinner, not consent.”

Alongside the graphic, Zomato wrote, “An important clarification.”

The company further stated: “The screenshot of the distasteful notification you may have seen with our name is fake. We did not write or send it.”

The screenshot that went viral

The image circulating online appeared to show a notification carrying the message: “Biryani bhejdu? Rs 370 ki hai bas.”

How the ‘Rs 370 biryani’ debate started

The controversy traces its roots to a crowd-work segment from comedian Pranit More's stand-up show.

In the clip, which later went viral, an audience member (now identified as Himanshu Jangra) spoke about a dating experience involving a chicken biryani worth Rs 370. During the interaction, he implied that paying for the meal entitled him to something in return from the woman he had gone on a date with.

The comment sparked criticism online, with many social media users objecting to the idea that spending money on a date could create an expectation of intimacy.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information circulating on social media, statements made by the parties involved, and publicly available posts. The Times of India does not independently verify the authenticity of viral claims or screenshots referenced in the story.

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