Being on a game show can be exciting. You can appear on live TV and best of all, you have the chance to win great prizes; prominently money. However, proper etiquette is still required. If that doesn't happen, a contestant's behaviour might be talked about.
What was supposed to be a moment of pride and joy for the little participant soon turned into trolling of the worst kind on Facebook and X. Even as the live telecast was going on, netizens expressed unwarranted criticism on social media, raising an even larger debate about the impact of this kind of trolling on kids placed on the public platform.
A fifth grader's behaviour was highly talked about in India after he participated on a game show. He was severely trolled. Indian bowler, Varun Chakaravarthy, came out to defend the boy.
He came out strongly in support of Ishit Bhatt, a fifth-standard student from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, who recently faced severe trolling after his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 (KBC 17) hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. The young contestant, who didn’t win any prize money, became the target of online criticism for his confident and outspoken behavior on the show.
A clip from the episode went viral, showing Ishit interrupting Amitabh Bachchan multiple times. He told the host, "Mere ko rules pata hai isliye aap mereko abhi rules samjhane mat baithna" ("I know the rules, so don’t start explaining them to me now"). He also said, "Arre option daalo" ("Come on, give me the options") and joked, "Sir ek kya uss mein chaar lock lagado" ("Sir, not one, put four locks on it") when asked to lock in his answer.
The young boy’s confidence, however, didn’t go well with a section of social media users, who labelled his behaviour as disrespectful. The trolling intensified after Ishit answered a question about the Ramayana incorrectly. Asked, "What is the name of the first Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana?," he selected Ayodhya Kanda instead of the correct answer, Bala Kanda.
Apart from his behaviour, the young contestant’s overconfidence became a talking point after he dismissed hints and advice from Amitabh Bachchan, insisting he already knew the answers before the options were displayed on the screen; leaving the viewers with amusement and criticism. The 10-year-old KBC contestant became an online troll for his behaviour toward Bachchan, prompting debates on whether his over-confidence was charming or disrespectful.
The incident ignited a wave of discussion on social media, with many criticising the child’s behaviour and questioning parenting and the pressures young contestants face on reality shows.
Amid the online criticism, Indian cricketer, Varun Chakaravarthy, defended the young contestant, calling out those who mocked a child. Taking to X, Chakaravarthy wrote, "Example of how social media has become a place for cowards running their mouths without any sense! He is a kid, for God's sake!! Let him grow!! If you can’t tolerate a kid, imagine the society still tolerating many nut cases like the ones commenting on this kid and much more!!!!!”
His post has received massive support from fans, who praised him for speaking up against online bullying and showing empathy toward the young participant.
Famous singer, Chinmayi Sripada, echoed Varun Chakaravarthy's thoughts. She placed the trolls squarely in the picture, calling them, "a horrible bunch of bullies." She stressed that these kids should have been allowed to enjoy the experience without being subjected to such harassment.
Ironically, she dealt a strong message regarding the responsibility of netizens to create a positive and encouraging climate when involvement by minor clients would, of course, be at stake. Fans and followers appreciated her for opposing and bringing this huge problem of cyberbullying into focus.
She wrote on X, "An adult putting a tweet saying most hated *kid*. 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. Says a LOT about the ecosystem. This entire lot is picking on one over excited kid - what a horrible bunch of bullies these have raised themselves to be."
While the episode may have sparked controversy, the cricketing community and viewers alike have applauded Amitabh Bachchan’s patience and Varun Chakaravarthy’s stand, turning the focus from trolling to empathy and responsible online behaviour.
Despite Ishit Bhatt having been facing online trolling and abuse for his rude behaviour and over-confidence during the special KBC show for kids, the host and legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan, has yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident or commenting on the young contestant’s conduct.
However, there has been no statement from the child’s parents either, leaving the public and media to speculate on the family’s perspective regarding Ishit Bhatt’s behaviour and the online backlash he has received. Though Ishit Bhatt has become a centre of online trolls, there has been speculation that the show was scripted to create dramatic moments and that his reactions were encouraged by producers to make the show more entertaining.
However, the organisers of the KBC have not yet issued an official statement with regards to the speculation or clarified whether the child’s behaviour was part of the show’s scripting or encouragement.
This situation clearly shows the long-standing impact psychologically, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and even fear to take part in public activities. In today's world, the social media platform has laid a serious threat to the basic rights of children and young persons in upholding their right to be free from any undue criticism and harassments. This intervention from Chinmayi kind of stresses the need for creating an arena of common sense, kindness, and order.
The ire of social media suddenly started pouring on KBC-17 as the critics made strong comments on the child contestant's answers and temperament during the show. What was supposed to be a moment of pride and joy for the little participant soon turned into trolling of the worst kind on Facebook and X. Even as the live telecast was going on, netizens expressed unwarranted criticism on social media, raising an even larger debate about the impact of this kind of trolling on kids placed on the public platform.
The incident has reignited the conversation around ethics on social media, with many pointing out how easily children are subjected to harsh criticism online. It also raises questions about parental pressure and the emotional strain reality shows can place on young participants.
It's unfair to troll a child. He's not even a teenager. Most kids aren't fully matured to understand certain aspects of life. He should've been given a pass this time around.
Etiquette should be universally known. Connstant interruptions and over-confidence can be a bad thing. It can set a bad image of someone. As a result of that, people might not look at the person the same way. A public appearance can be dangerous.