A recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 featuring Ishit Bhatt, a Class 5 student from Gujarat, has ignited a social media firestorm, drawing both criticism and support for the young contestant's behavior on the show. The episode, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, saw Bhatt's confident and, at times, assertive demeanor spark a widespread debate about children's manners, parenting styles, and the influence of reality television.
Bhatt's appearance on the show quickly grabbed attention when he told Bachchan that he already knew the rules and didn't need them explained. Throughout the initial questions, he answered rapidly, sometimes before Bachchan could even present the options. His remarks, including urging Bachchan to hurry with the options and confidently declaring that his answers should be locked with "four locks," were perceived by many viewers as disrespectful and rude.
However, Bhatt's confident streak ended on the fifth question, worth ₹25,000, when he incorrectly answered a question related to the Ramayana, leading to his exit from the show without any winnings. Bachchan responded to Bhatt's loss by noting that children sometimes make errors due to overconfidence.
The online reaction was swift and intense, with many social media users labeling Bhatt as "rude," "disrespectful," and "oversmart". Much of the criticism was also directed towards his parents, with many accusing them of "improper upbringing" and questioning their parenting style based on the brief televised appearance. Some users went as far as to say that Bhatt's behavior reflected poorly on his parents' character.
However, the backlash also sparked a counter-narrative, with many arguing that the criticism was excessive and that Bhatt, being a child, did not deserve such harsh treatment. Some suggested that his behavior might have been a result of nervousness or excitement, while others proposed that the episode might have been partially scripted to boost ratings.
Amidst the online furor, singer Chinmayi Sripada emerged as a vocal defender of Ishit Bhatt, criticizing the online bullying and hypocrisy of adults targeting a child. Sripada condemned those who were calling Bhatt "the most hated kid" and highlighted what she saw as a double standard, pointing out that many of the same voices were silent on other important issues. She tweeted, "Adults here on Twitter have been one of the most lousy, foul-mouthed, abusive lot; none of these voices said a thing when kids died due to a cough syrup...But yeah pick on a kid". Sripada further added, "This entire lot is picking on one overexcited kid – what a horrible bunch of bullies these have raised themselves to be".
The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the pressure on children to perform, the role of schools in shaping confidence, and the impact of social media on young individuals. Some commentators have suggested that the education system's emphasis on rote learning and competition may contribute to children projecting confidence without necessarily possessing a deep understanding. Others have noted that social media can quickly turn traits praised in schools, such as speed and assertiveness, into liabilities, leading to ridicule and humiliation when mistakes are made.
Ultimately, the Ishit Bhatt controversy has become a complex case study, highlighting the challenges of balancing confidence with humility, the impact of public scrutiny on children, and the responsibilities of both parents and society in guiding the next generation.
