This happened with me in a recent interview of ISB.
As expected they asked me why mba and Why PGP program of ISB. You see, I work at my family business and ISB has a dedicated non-residential program (PGP MFAB) for those folks.
Me: General rhetoric of how I would benefit from a residential, full time program.
Them: MFAB will be better for you
Me: More reasons for why PGP.
Them: You know the students who take that program. They belong to the richest families in India
Me: Yes, I know that. Quoted an example to show that I did my research.
Them: You will benefit more while studying and making connections with them.
Me: No. I don't think it will be as beneficial.
Them: Really! Why do you think Kings always married in Wealthy Houses?
2 minute silence
Me: There is a Cultural Factor.
Silence in the room.
They want me to explore further
Me: King Akbar married a lot of princesses to win the loyalties of their houses!! (I was ecstatic as soon as I said that)
Them: (Interrupting me) So, Money was not a Factor in Akbar Marrying those princesses!
I could see their egos getting hurt and just then, I realized that we are way off topic and wondered how we got there. Just then it clicked and I literally shouted -
Diversity of Opinion!Controlled my volume instantly and explained further quoting examples which thankfully ended the topic.
I'm still to get the result. We have 2 days for it and I'm still hoping that I make the cut