The internet can make a child famous overnight — but it can also turn unkind just as fast. This week, playback singer and social activist Chinmayi Sripaada stepped forward to defend 10-year-old Ishit Bhatt, the Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 contestant who became the target of harsh online trolling after a viral video clip. Her strong words have reignited the conversation about how adults treat children in digital spaces.
The controversy began when a short video from the quiz show circulated widely on social media. In it, Ishit asked host Amitabh Bachchan not to explain the rules, saying he already knew them. Some viewers found his tone rude; others found it charmingly confident. But as the clip spread, public reactions quickly escalated from mild criticism to online bullying.
Within hours, social media was flooded with sarcastic comments, memes, and negative posts targeting the child. Some users mocked his confidence, while others questioned his parents’ upbringing. Chinmayi Sripaada was among the first public figures to call out the behavior. “He is ten years old,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Imagine hundreds of adults judging and mocking a child for being outspoken. This is not accountability — this is cruelty.”
Her post struck a nerve. Thousands of users reshared her message, and many echoed her sentiment that social media needs stronger empathy when discussing minors. “If adults can’t be kind, maybe they should stay silent,” she added. The singer’s stand turned the spotlight from the child’s behavior to society’s reactions — and the hidden emotional costs of online attention.
Media experts agree. “A child’s moment on national TV should not become a reason for nationwide shaming,” said Dr. Shweta Menon, a child psychologist based in Pune. “At ten, children are learning how to express themselves. What adults interpret as arrogance could be simple nervousness or excitement.”
The incident reflects a larger cultural issue — how easily children’s actions are magnified in the digital age. Every televised appearance, school performance, or even family video can now be clipped, shared, and judged by millions. “Parents may think it’s harmless fame,” said Dr. Menon, “but viral attention can overwhelm a young mind.”
Amitabh Bachchan himself handled the situation with calm grace. Smiling through the moment, he continued the show with patience, making no sign of offense. His mature reaction stood in sharp contrast to the online anger that followed. “Big B set the example of how adults should respond — with composure and understanding,” Chinmayi later noted.
This isn’t the first time the singer has spoken up for empathy. Known for her work on gender equality and online abuse awareness, Chinmayi has long campaigned for responsible digital behavior. Her latest remarks extend that fight to include children. “If we can protect our kids in schools, why not on social media?” she asked.
Parents across India have supported her stance. Many pointed out that while child contestants are celebrated for their talents, they often face adult-level criticism when they make small mistakes. “We want confident kids, but the moment they show confidence, we call them rude,” wrote one mother on Instagram. “That’s confusing for them.”
Teachers and school counselors have also joined the discussion, urging that this moment be used as a learning opportunity rather than a controversy. “This should remind parents to teach kids about respect and self-expression — but also remind society to respond with kindness,” said Ayesha Siddiqui, a Delhi-based educator.
In the broader context, the Ishit Bhatt case highlights how blurred the line between entertainment and exploitation has become. Television thrives on memorable moments; the internet thrives on outrage. When those worlds collide, children often become collateral damage. Chinmayi’s message attempts to reset that balance: that empathy must always outweigh engagement.
Some users who initially mocked the boy later apologized publicly after reading her post. “We forgot he’s just a child,” one tweet read. “Chinmayi made us think twice.” The shift in tone online has sparked optimism among educators and digital ethics advocates who see it as a sign that awareness is slowly growing.
Experts are now calling for platforms to introduce ethical moderation for child-related content, including stricter comment filters and faster reporting systems for harmful posts. “Children should not need PR managers to survive the internet,” said Dr. Menon. “They need adults who set boundaries — and protect their dignity.”
Meanwhile, Ridhima Bhatt, Ishit’s mother, thanked supporters for defending her son. “He’s a bright, enthusiastic child,” she told local reporters. “This experience has taught us how powerful words can be. We hope people remember that behind every viral clip is a real child with real feelings.”
As for Chinmayi, her final message was simple yet powerful: “A society’s kindness is measured by how it treats its children. Let’s not fail this test.”
The story of Ishit Bhatt and Chinmayi’s defense of him reminds us that digital literacy isn’t only about using technology — it’s about using humanity. Children may appear on screens, but their hearts are still fragile, their minds still learning, and their confidence still forming. It takes one thoughtless comment to harm, and one act of compassion to heal.
For every young Ishit who faces judgment online, the message is clear: the world may watch, but empathy must lead.
