‘He’s just 10’: Experts call out trolling of KBC contestant after viral interaction with Amitabh Bachchan
New Delhi: A 10-year-old boy from Gujarat, Ishit Bhatt, has become the centre of a national debate after his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) went viral, drawing criticism for what many called “arrogant” and “rude” behaviour towards host Amitabh Bachchan. However, psychologists and child experts say the outrage reflects misplaced adult expectations rather than the boy’s intent.
Bhatt’s self-assured responses — including interrupting Bachchan mid-sentence, declining rule repetitions, and answering before questions were completed — sparked heated conversations across social media and living rooms. The child’s alleged “arrogance” quickly became a trending topic, prompting both sympathy and scorn.
An apology letter, purportedly posted on an Instagram account under Bhatt’s name, briefly appeared before the account was deleted. Meanwhile, fake profiles of the boy spread widely online, amplifying the backlash. Experts have described this reaction as “deeply troubling” and warned that public shaming could have lasting psychological effects on such a young individual.
Family therapist Maitri Chand told PTI that judging a child’s tone and gestures without context is unfair. “Rudeness and arrogance are culturally defined. What might seem disrespectful to one person could simply reflect a different communication style within a family or school environment,” she said.
Chand explained that today’s children are raised to think critically and express themselves more freely. “Schools encourage confidence and quick thinking. A child might simply be responding fast, not being disrespectful,” she added.
HR professional Ankita Verma Mehta, however, felt that the child’s tone should have been corrected privately. “He may have mistaken confidence for overconfidence because it was never addressed earlier,” she said.
Chand countered that humility is a concept that develops with age. “At ten, children cannot fully grasp humility. Forcing it can make them feel silenced,” she noted.
Another psychologist, Shweta Sharma, said Bhatt’s behaviour reflected gaps in “impulse control and social awareness”, which are common at that age. “Being on national television opposite a figure like Amitabh Bachchan can trigger excitement and nervousness. Rather than criticising him, this should be a teaching moment,” she advised.
Experts agreed that online trolling can deeply affect a child’s mental health, leading to self-doubt or withdrawal. “Exposure to public criticism at this stage can damage self-esteem,” Sharma warned, suggesting therapy to help Bhatt process the experience and preserve his confidence.
Chand concluded, “Beyond everything, he’s still a child. We must see him through that lens, not as an adult who should know better.”
The controversy began after a KBC episode featuring fifth-grader Ishit Bhatt aired last week. His assertive manner — cutting in before Amitabh Bachchan could complete his sentences and confidently asking not to repeat rules — was interpreted by many viewers as arrogance.
Clips from the episode went viral, with several social media users calling the boy “ill-mannered” and “disrespectful”. Opposition voices, however, condemned the trolling, saying it reflected societal hypocrisy about how children are expected to behave.
An Instagram account claiming to be Bhatt’s posted an apology note, which was later deleted when the account disappeared. Meanwhile, multiple fake social media accounts using his photos appeared, further complicating the situation.
Experts say this online frenzy underscores a deeper social issue — adults demanding adult-like restraint from children while simultaneously celebrating assertiveness.
Clinical psychologist Shweta Sharma pointed out that the boy’s quick responses and interruptions likely stemmed from excitement rather than arrogance. “He displayed high cognitive engagement but limited emotional regulation — both normal at his age,” she said.
Experts warned that if not handled sensitively, such trolling could leave lasting scars. “When a child is publicly criticised, it can create fear, anxiety, or even defensiveness in future interactions,” Chand added.
They emphasised that both parents and educators should use such moments to teach balance — nurturing confidence while guiding empathy and patience.
Ultimately, psychologists and parenting experts agree on one point: while Bhatt’s behaviour might have appeared brash, the collective adult backlash says far more about society’s contradictions than about the child himself.
(With PTI inputs)