Stand-up comedian Pranit More has announced his return to live performances with a new comedy special titled Ghayal, nearly two months after facing widespread criticism over remarks made during a crowd-work segment that went viral online.
The announcement, shared on Instagram on August 5, marks More’s first public step back onto the comedy stage since the controversy.
“I Can’t Change What Happened”
Announcing his comeback, More wrote:
“I can’t change what happened, but I can choose who I become because of it.”
The message accompanied the reveal of his upcoming show, which appears to focus on moving forward after a difficult chapter in his career.
Emotional Return to the Stage
A video from one of the performances has also gained attention online.
Speaking to the audience, More admitted he was uncertain whether people would accept him again after the backlash.
He said performing stand-up has always been about bringing happiness rather than financial success and acknowledged feeling nervous before stepping onto the stage.
More also credited his mother for encouraging him to move forward, recalling her advice that while everyone makes mistakes, what truly matters is how a person grows after them.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began in June after a crowd-work clip from a Gurugram show circulated widely on social media.
During the interaction, an audience member suggested that spending ₹370 on a biryani during a date entitled him to physical intimacy. More responded by laughing and describing the exchange as “Peak Gurgaon content.”
The clip received widespread criticism online, with many viewers arguing that the response trivialized a problematic statement.
Following the incident:
- Police action was initiated.
- The National Commission for Women (NCW) reportedly issued a summons.
- More released a public apology, accepting responsibility for his reaction and acknowledging the criticism.
Mixed Reactions to His Return
The announcement of Ghayal has generated divided reactions online.
Many supporters welcomed his return, saying they appreciated his honesty and willingness to reflect on his actions.
Others remained critical, with some social media users alleging that the comeback resembled the public return of other comedians following controversies. These comparisons represent opinions expressed online and have not been addressed by More.
No Official Comment on Comparisons
Although some users have compared More’s return to that of fellow comedian Samay Raina, there is no evidence that More has described his comeback in those terms or stated that he was attempting to follow anyone’s approach.
The discussion remains limited to commentary on social media.
What’s Next?
With Ghayal, Pranit More begins a new chapter in his stand-up career. Whether audiences embrace his return on a larger scale remains to be seen, but the show’s announcement has already sparked significant discussion within India’s comedy community.
