Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has always been a mix of intellect, emotion and drama. In its new season, the show has started drawing attention not only for its quizzing challenges but also for the conduct of its youngest contestants. A recent episode has triggered a storm of reactions online — and it’s making parents, psychologists, and viewers pause to reconsider how we encourage confidence in children, especially on public platforms.
The Incident That Sparked the Debate
In Season 17, a 10-year-old contestant named Ishit Bhatt (a 5th grader from Gandhinagar) became the center of a viral controversy.
Some highlights of what happened:
- As the host Amitabh Bachchan began to explain the rules, Ishit interrupted with, “Mere ko rules pata hai, isliye aap mereko abhi rules samjhane mat baithna” (“I already know the rules, so don’t sit to explain them to me”).
- At several points, he demanded the answer options be given, insisted on “locking” his answers, and at times interrupted Bachchan while he was speaking.
- Ultimately, the answer he chose was incorrect, and he exited the show with zero winnings.
- Bachchan later commented: “Kabhi kabhi bachhe overconfidence mein galti kar dete hai” (“Sometimes children make mistakes due to overconfidence”).
This incident lit up social media, with some people criticizing Ishit’s behaviour as rude and disrespectful, others sympathizing as it’s only a child under pressure.
Public Reaction & Backlash
The response online has been intense and polarized:
- Many users labeled Ishit “overconfident” or “rude,” criticizing the tone he used with the host.
- The boy’s parents were also scrutinized heavily, with online commentators attributing the behaviour to weak upbringing or lack of discipline.
- But not all reactions were harsh: Singer Chinmayi Sripaada stepped in to defend Ishit, calling out the trolls for their vitriol and saying that children deserve grace and understanding.
- Others praised Amitabh Bachchan for handling the episode with poise, patience and respect despite the provocation.
The incident revived past memories — similar in tone to a case from Season 15, when an 8-year-old contestant named Virat Iyer lost ₹47 lakh due to overconfidence on a question. Navbharat Times+1
What Experts Say: Nature, Nurture, & Public Pressure
Psychologists and commentators have weighed in to help unpack why such behaviour may arise, and what it says about expectations set on children.
Why Kids May Behave Boldly (or Abrasively)
- A mix of temperament and environment: some children are naturally more assertive, impulsive or extroverted.
- Pressure and adrenaline: being on national television, under bright lights and facing a legendary figure like Amitabh Bachchan, can trigger stress responses, leading to overcompensation or acting out.
- Inadequate coaching for public behavior: not all kids are coached on how to balance confidence with respect, how to wait, listen, or temper impulsive reactions.
The Parenting & Responsibility Angle
- Many believe parents and guardians should prepare children better for public environments, teaching them patience, humility, and decorum.
- But experts caution against blaming parents entirely — children make mistakes, and external influences (peers, media, show framing) also shape behavior.
- There’s also concern about emotional fallout: public shaming of a child can affect self-esteem, cause anxiety, and create long-term sensitivity.
Lessons & Takeaways
This incident offers several reflective points for us — parents, media, and viewers alike:
- Confidence vs. Arrogance
Teaching a child to know their value is important, but so is humility, empathy, and respect—especially in public and toward elders. - Preparation Matters
Before sending children to public forums, they need practice in how to respond politely, how to interrupt (if at all), and how to handle mistakes under pressure. - Media’s Role & Responsibility
Producers and showrunners should anticipate high-pressure moments, especially with children, and perhaps offer guidance, counseling, or rehearsal to avoid embarrassments or public shaming. - Parents as Coaches, Not Controllers
Guiding behavior is vital, but expecting perfect control isn’t realistic. Mistakes are learning opportunities. Overreacting or shaming publicly can be more harmful than helpful. - Audience Awareness
As viewers, we should remember there’s a real child behind that persona. Critique behavior, not humiliate the person. Social media mobs often forget that.
Conclusion
The Ishit Bhatt episode on KBC 17 has not just gone viral—it’s become a conversation starter about children’s behavior, public pressure, confidence, and parenting values. In a world where children are increasingly on display via media, reality shows, social platforms, perhaps this moment is a reminder: our encouragement of confidence must always walk hand in hand with lessons in courtesy, empathy, and self-restraint.
