The Bengal Story Bureau: Stand-up comedian and reality television personality Munawar Faruqui has issued an urgent public appeal urging social media users to cease trolling fellow comic Pranit More. The development follows a severe online backlash triggered by a viral video where More humorously critiqued a costly dish ordered at an upscale eatery in Mumbai.
Faruqui warned that the relentless digital harassment could lead to a tragedy, expressing deep concern over the impact of coordinated cyberbullying on an individual’s mental health.
The Rs 370 Biryani Video
The controversy began when Pranit More posted a short video reviewing a plate of biryani priced at Rs 370 from a premium restaurant. In the video, More used satire to contrast the small portion size and high price with traditional, budget-friendly street-side alternatives in Mumbai.
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While intended as light-hearted food commentary, the video quickly polarized viewers. A large section of social media users took offense to the comparison, initiating a widespread campaign of insults, personal attacks, and memes targeting More across multiple digital platforms.
Faruqui Recommends Restraint
Intervening to support his colleague, Faruqui uploaded a video statement on his social media handles, addressing the aggressive nature of the online commentary. He criticized the tendency of internet mobs to escalate minor comedic observations into severe personal vilification.
“Please stop this trolling now. It has crossed all limits,” Faruqui said, highlighting the psychological toll of continuous digital abuse. “Are you waiting for a tragedy to happen? When a body is carried out, only then will people realize the consequences of their actions. Just stop it now.”
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The comedian emphasized that while audiences have every right to disagree with a joke or a food review, translating that disagreement into targeted harassment is dangerous. He urged his followers and the wider internet community to show empathy and move past the incident.
Growing Concerns Over Cyberbullying
The incident has restarted a broader conversation within the Indian comedy and entertainment industry regarding the volatile nature of social media reception. Several digital creators have echoed Faruqui’s sentiments, noting that public figures are increasingly subjected to disproportionate hostility for routine creative content.
More has since lowered his digital profile following the backlash, while Faruqui’s intervention continues to circulate widely, drawing support from structural anti-bullying advocates online.
