Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has publicly condemned the online harassment directed at 10-year-old Ishit Bhatt, a contestant on the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati 17. Ishit has been subjected to severe online criticism, with many labeling him the ‘most hated kid’ after his exchange with host Amitabh Bachchan was broadcast.
The young contestant from Gujarat exited the show empty-handed after incorrectly answering a question about the Ramayana. However, the focus of much of the online discourse has shifted from his game performance to his on-air persona, which many deemed overconfident and disrespectful.
Sripaada vehemently defended Ishit, characterizing the online critics as a ‘horrible bunch of bullies.’ She took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her strong opposition to adults targeting a child, questioning the priorities of those engaging in such behavior. ‘Adults here on Twitter have been one of the most lousy, foul mouthed, abusive lot,’ she wrote, noting the absence of similar outrage on more critical issues. She added, ‘This entire lot is picking on one over excited kid – what a horrible bunch of bullies these have raised themselves to be.’
In the now-famous clip, Ishit, a fifth-grade student, interrupted Amitabh Bachchan, asserting, ‘I’m familiar with the rules, so don’t explain them to me.’ He displayed a high degree of self-assurance, even speeding through his answers before the host could fully present the options.
This perceived arrogance, however, did not translate into game success. Ishit managed to answer the first four questions correctly but failed to answer the fifth question, worth Rs 25,000, which was about the Ramayana. His incorrect response led to his immediate departure from the hotseat.
The incident has also spurred conversations about child-rearing and the importance of teaching children respect and humility. Several social media users expressed concerns about Ishit’s attitude, suggesting that his parents needed to instill better manners. Some commenters felt that leaving the show without any winnings was a fitting consequence for his behavior.