'Don't troll KBC kid Ishit Bhatt': Chandigarh-based founder says Indian kids are suffering from 'six pocket syndrome' started in China

After Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 contestant Ishit Bhatt went viral for his “overconfident” behaviour on Amitabh Bachchan’s quiz show, a Chandigarh-based entrepreneur has urged people to stop trolling the 10-year-old. He claimed that Bhatt’s behaviour reflects a deeper social issue called the “Six Pocket Syndrome,” a concept that, he said, originated in China and is now affecting Indian families. Bhatt, a fifth-grade student from Gujarat, drew strong reactions online for his tone and responses during the show. While many criticised his attitude, others said the trolling of a child had gone too far.

The ‘Six Pocket Syndrome’ theory

Explaining the idea, Chandigarh-based founder and social media user @DuttShekhar wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the “Six Pocket Syndrome” occurs when a child is raised in an environment of excessive pampering.

The term refers to situations where a single child is cared for by six adults, parents and grandparents, who fulfil every demand, leading to overindulgence and entitlement.

He wrote that Bhatt may have been an innocent victim of this syndrome, and that the behaviour people saw on television was shaped by family dynamics rather than arrogance. The post read that “Indian kids are now going through what Chinese children went through two decades ago — raised by six pockets, surrounded by affection but lacking discipline.”

The post has been viewed over 2.3 lakh times and has drawn mixed reactions from social media users.

Internet remains divided

While some users agreed with the analysis, saying modern parenting styles often lead to overconfidence in children, others criticised the idea as an unfair generalisation.

Many pointed out that Bhatt’s behaviour could have stemmed from nervousness or excitement, not entitlement. A section of users also emphasised that public shaming of a 10-year-old was unnecessary and damaging.

“He was over confident. Probably because that’s how his parents have nurtured him. He learnt a lesson which he won’t forget for his life. Big B was extremely graceful in the entire event. Time for internet to move on. The kid has enough trauma for his childhood,” wrote @niks_1985 on X.

From viral fame to online backlash

Bhatt became a trending topic after his episode aired earlier this week. Viewers found his urgency to move through questions and his interactions with Amitabh Bachchan unusual for his age.

During the show, he asked the host to skip repeating rules and focus on the questions. His style, however, led to criticism from viewers who felt he was being disrespectful.

His appearance ended abruptly when he failed to answer a ₹25,000 question correctly and left the show empty-handed. The moment sparked memes and harsh comments online.

Calls for empathy toward children

As debates around “Six Pocket Syndrome” and parenting styles continue, several social media users have called for restraint and compassion. They say trolling a 10-year-old for his on-screen conduct is not justified.

“Very satisfying ending! Not saying this about the kid, but the parents. If you can’t teach your kids humility, patience, and manners, they turn out to be such rude overconfident lot. Not winning a single rupee will surely pinch them for a long time," wrote @theskindoctor13.

However, others urged people to stop making personal attacks and remember that children learn through experience.

The controversy around Ishit Bhatt has now shifted from online mockery to a wider discussion about how modern parenting, social media, and cultural change are shaping children’s behaviour in India.