In a time when the internet can make or break someone overnight, even children aren’t being spared. The latest victim of social media’s cruel judgment is none other than five-year-old Tara Bhanushali—the daughter of popular television couple Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij.

Tara, like many kids her age, loves to dance. She enjoys following viral trends, trying out moves, and having fun in front of the camera. Her parents, who are known faces in the Indian television industry, occasionally post cute videos of their daughter showing off her love for music and movement. But one recent dance video has taken a very dark turn online.

Tara was seen dancing to the song “Billo Teri Aankh Katal” in a short clip shared on social media. What should have been just another sweet, innocent moment of a little girl doing what she loves quickly spiraled into an online storm of hate.

The trolls came hard and fast.

Some accused Mahhi Vij of “forcing” her daughter to perform:

“What kind of a mother is she? It’s obvious the girl is uncomfortable.”

Others dragged comparisons with celebrity moms:

“Take a cue from Aishwarya Rai—she doesn’t even let her daughter near social media.”

There were even more severe criticisms:

“This kid has no talent. Stop pushing her into the limelight.”
“Focus on her education instead of wasting her time on this nonsense.”
“Why can’t they let her live her childhood?”

What began as a fun little video of a girl enjoying music quickly turned into a digital courtroom, with strangers offering unsolicited parenting advice, passing character judgments, and even hurling direct abuse—at a 5-year-old.

And this brings us to the bigger question: Have we completely forgotten the line between public interest and human decency?

Social media gives everyone a voice—but not every opinion needs to be said out loud, especially when it targets children. Tara isn’t a celebrity by choice; she was born into the limelight. Her parents, who post videos of her, are doing what many proud parents do—documenting the joy and innocence of their child’s early years.

What’s more heartbreaking is that many trolls chose to ignore the fact that Tara is just a child. Five years old. Barely able to spell “Instagram,” yet already being asked to “be more like Aishwarya’s daughter” or “stop acting cringey.”

This incident has reignited an ongoing debate: How much is too much when it comes to kids on social media? Is it fair for parents to post content featuring their children? And at what point do viewers need to draw the line between criticism and cruelty?

Jay and Mahhi have not responded publicly to the trolling yet, but fans and fellow celebrities have started to rally behind them, defending Tara and calling out the toxic culture of trolling children online.

Supporters say that Tara should be allowed to dance, laugh, and express herself without fear of judgment. After all, isn’t childhood supposed to be about exploring, making mistakes, and having fun?

At its core, this incident isn’t about a dance video—it’s about our collective failure to protect children online. It’s about turning the lens inward and asking: “What kind of world are we creating where a child can’t dance freely without being bullied by adults?”

To the critics saying she lacks talent, what if she grows up to be a renowned choreographer one day? What if her childhood passion for dancing leads her to a successful, fulfilling career? Will those same trolls line up for selfies then?

As a society, we must remember: Children don’t need perfection—they need encouragement. They don’t need trolls—they need space to dream.

Tara, we see you. We hope you keep dancing, smiling, and chasing your passion—regardless of the noise. Because maybe one day, it’ll be your name in lights, and the world will remember how a little girl once danced fearlessly, even when no one clapped.