A short clip from Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 (KBC) has turned into a nationwide parenting debate after a 10-year-old contestant, Ishit Bhatt, was harshly criticized online and labeled “the rude kid.” What began as an innocent moment on a game show quickly spiraled into an internet storm, exposing deeper questions about how society perceives confidence and childhood behavior on public platforms.
During the viral episode, young Ishit interrupted host Amitabh Bachchan, saying he already knew the game’s rules and wanted to jump straight to the questions. The exchange drew laughter from the audience, but once posted online, it ignited strong opinions. Some social media users called him “disrespectful” or “arrogant,” while others defended his enthusiasm and presence of mind. Within hours, hashtags like #RudeKid and #LetKidsBeKids were trending across platforms. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Many viewers expressed discomfort with how adults reacted to a child’s behavior. “It’s unbelievable that people are writing essays online attacking a ten-year-old,” wrote one parent on X (formerly Twitter). Others noted that adults often confuse childhood spontaneity with insolence.
Even celebrities stepped in. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada condemned the trolling, calling out online bullies who mocked the boy. “He’s just a child on national television. Why are adults dissecting his tone like it’s a courtroom?” she posted, urging compassion over criticism. Her comments earned thousands of likes and reshared messages supporting the young contestant.
Child psychologists say the controversy reflects broader issues around modern parenting and performance pressure. “Children on TV are often expected to behave like miniature adults,” said Dr. Neha Khanna, a psychologist in Delhi. “When they act natural — curious, assertive, or playful — it clashes with society’s fixed image of politeness.”
Teachers also see this as a teachable moment. “Confidence should not be punished,” said Anjali Mishra, a school counselor in Lucknow. “We must guide children in expressing themselves with respect, but we must also let them make mistakes without judgment.”
For Ishit’s family, the criticism has been difficult. His parents told reporters that their son is “bright, curious, and respectful at home,” and that the viral clip doesn’t capture his true personality. “He was nervous and excited — that’s all,” said his mother. “People forget he’s only ten.”
Social media, however, magnified every second of that clip, and the judgment was swift. Experts call this the “viral amplification effect,” where online audiences mistake short clips for complete truths. In a world of instant reactions, nuance is often lost.
Amitabh Bachchan, known for his poise, handled the situation gracefully. Instead of reacting sharply, he smiled, continued the game calmly, and later praised the boy for his confidence. “He reminded me of my younger self — full of energy,” the actor reportedly said afterward. His maturity in the moment stood in contrast to the public outrage that followed.
The episode has reignited conversations about digital empathy and media ethics. Should children even be subject to social media analysis? Should platforms limit comment sections on content involving minors? “The internet has erased the line between audience and critic,” said Ravi Mehta, a digital culture researcher. “Everyone feels entitled to judge, even when the subject is a child.”
The controversy also exposes a double standard. When adults are outspoken, they’re called confident. When kids are, they’re called rude. This inconsistency, say educators, can suppress children’s voices and create anxiety about expressing themselves publicly.
Parents are now using the KBC incident to discuss real-life manners and emotional intelligence with their children. Many schools have started “Digital Kindness Week” activities to teach students how words, both online and offline, can hurt or heal. “We showed our students the clip and asked how they’d feel in Ishit’s place,” said a Mumbai principal. “The answers were eye-opening.”
The debate has also prompted calls for TV producers to provide emotional support for child participants. “Reality shows bring fame, but they can also bring fear,” said Dr. Khanna. “Media houses must prepare children for public attention and protect them from its fallout.”
As the outrage fades, one message endures: childhood should never be treated like a public referendum. Ishit’s story has become a mirror reflecting society’s impatience and the need for compassion.
For kids, this controversy is a lesson about self-expression and resilience. For adults, it’s a reminder to pause before typing harsh words. Behind every trending video is a child — learning, growing, and still discovering their place in the world.
In the words of Chinmayi Sripaada, “It takes courage to sit on that stage and face questions. What takes more courage is to let a child be a child.”
