'Social media has become a place for cowards' - Varun Chakravarthy slams trolls against KBC 17 junior contestant's rude behaviour

Star Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy recently stepped forward to defend Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 (KBC Junior) minor contestant Ishit Bhatt, who has faced a series of online trolling for his behaviour on the quiz show.

The 10-year-old from Gujarat went viral for what many viewers described as “rude” and “overconfident” behaviour towards host Amitabh Bachchan. However, Chakravarthy called out the hypocrisy of social media users who failed to show empathy to a child still learning his way through life.

Ishit Bhatt’s episode aired earlier this week as part of KBC 17’s Junior edition. During his interaction with the veteran actor, the young contestant interrupted the host multiple times, stating, “I know the rules, so don’t start explaining them to me". He further urged Bachchan to speed up the game, "Come on, give me some options."

The boy’s comments led to many social media users calling his tone disrespectful. The online criticism spiralled into personal attacks, with some even targeting his parents for poor upbringing. Meanwhile, the Indian spinner condemned the trolls, calling social media a place for cowards. 

“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!!!!," he wrote on X.

The controversy also opened up conversations around modern parenting and child behaviour in public spaces. Some experts revealed that a child’s temperament is guided by both nature and nurture and can be influenced by environment, but not entirely controlled by parents.