Showing posts with label Prateik Babbar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prateik Babbar. Show all posts
Prateik went down on one knee in his boxers-Priya Banerjee
8:57 AM
On Propose Day, today, actor-couple Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee recall the moment that led to their forever
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 8, 2026)
Valentine's Day, this year, is a day of double celebration for actor-couple Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee Patil, as it marks their first wedding anniversary. Ahead of the special moment, the couple recalls Prateik’s dreamy and “unexpected” proposal on Propose Day, today.
“I had planned to propose to Priya at the stroke of midnight on the eve of my birthday, November 28. But we had work the next morning, so we wouldn’t have had time to enjoy the moment,” Prateik recalls, adding, “Then two days before, on a Sunday morning, I was sitting on my ‘throne’ in the bathroom, where I get some of my best ideas, and realized we had the whole day to ourselves. It was the perfect day to propose.”
On November 26, 2024, after five years of living together, Prateik went for it. “It was 8 am, and I saw him crying in the corner. I was lying in bed with our dog when he suddenly came next to me and proposed,” Priya gushes. “He was so emotional that I didn’t even understand the first question he asked me,” she adds.
“He went down on one knee in his boxers. Our dog was there too, wagging his tail—it was a celebration with the three of us,” she says. While Priya suspected a proposal was coming since Prateik had spoken to her parents, the timing caught her off guard. “I’m glad he did it the day I expected it the least,” says Priya.
Naam change ho sakta hai, wajood nahin, says Arya Babbar on brother Prateik dropping Babbar
8:40 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 27, 2025)
The Babbar family has been at the centre of speculation after actor Prateik officially adopted his late mother, actor Smita Patil’s surname, changing his name to Prateik Smita Patil.
Reacting to Prateik’s decision, his half-brother, actor-comedian Arya Babbar tells us, “Smita ma is our mother too; the name he doesn’t want to keep and what he wants is his choice”.
“Kal ko main uthke apna naam Aarya Babbar se Aarya kar lun, ya Rajesh kar lun, main tab bhi Babbar hi rahunga na,” he shares, adding, “Aap apna name change kar sakte ho, wajood nahin.”
The existing rumours of a rift between Prateik and his father, actor-politician Raj Babbar were further fuelled after the actor chose not to invite any members of the Babbar clan to his wedding to actor Priya Banerjee in February.
In an interview following the wedding, Prateik had said, “I need to be wholly and solely associated with my mother and her legacy. I don’t think any other name needs to taint that.”
That family was never there, that person (hinting at Raj Babbar) was never there in his life-Priya Banerjee
8:08 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; March 23, 2025)
Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee, the newly minted husband-and-wife duo, are “finally settling into married life”. The lovebirds tied the knot on Valentine's Day in an intimate ceremony at Prateik's ancestral home in Bandra, surrounded by close family and friends. The wedding was followed by a whirlwind mini-moon in Goa.
“We feel like a responsible married couple,” Prateik declares. The lovebirds address each other as “Husband” and “Wife”. “He is very serious about me calling him husband. But he is definitely a better husband (than a boyfriend),” Priya quips. “It is cringe, but it is cute. But we are both stepping up to our new titles,” Prateik states.
The two sit down for a chat with us, talking about their “fairytale yet intimate” wedding, and all the chatter around it.
‘Our wedding was too meaningful’
Talking about the wedding, Prateik recalls the moment Priya walked in as the bride to be the most beautiful moment for him. “We automatically cried together. We were bawling but we couldn't let the tears out because she had her makeup,” Prateik recollects. Priya adds, “We had family with us. It was at home. It was so special. And this is what I wanted because I was never that girl who dreamed of a big wedding. It all fell in place in a weird way.”
Prateik states, “It was too meaningful. It had so much sentimental value for everybody involved; it was just perfect. It was blessed by my mother, my grandparents.”
‘All the controversy around our wedding was unnecessary’
Prateik and Priya's dreamy wedding was not without its fair share of drama. Prateik’s step-brother-actor Aarya Babbar made unsolicited comments about their actor-father Raj Babbar and the family not being invited for the wedding.
Ask the couple if they were perturbed by all that was going on and Priya answers, “We were unfazed. It was all noise. My mom and dad were here all the way from Canada. I had my closest friends. He had his aunts, who raised him apart from his grandparents. Everybody was there who we loved. So, whatever happened, we honestly, don’t have any comments because it didn't matter.”
Prateik, on the other hand, calls all of it “unnecessary”. “I'm really happy that it didn't matter,” he says. Priya chimes in, “It could have ruined the rest of our life. It had potential. But I feel like we've been protected. We have guardian angels around us. I felt throughout this event that we were so into the whole event, the wedding, the marriage and we were into each other, we didn't care about anything.”
‘If Prateik chooses to stay quiet, if I choose to stay quiet, that is actually out of respect and dignity’
Amidst the din of speculations, we question Prateik if he wishes to reveal the reason behind the conspicuous absence of his father and the Babbar family from the wedding. Before Prateik can respond, Priya, like a lioness protecting her partner, swiftly intervenes, “No, absolutely not. We don't want to talk about it. And it's not our place. It's all online. It's all on the internet. Let people go back in the past and read some articles perhaps from back in the day and find out what went down in anybody's life before passing a reckless comment which can affect somebody's special day. Nobody has any right to say anything about it. If Prateik chooses to stay quiet, if I choose to stay quiet, that is actually out of respect and dignity. That's it. We do not want to speak about this and get in detail because we're happy.”
‘There was never an equation with the Babbar family’
Ask Prateik if the episode will change his equation with the Babbar family and Priya replies, “There is nothing to change. There was never anything there. So, I'm confused when people comment, ‘You did this to somebody’. But no, that family was never there, that person (hinting at Raj Babbar) was never there in his life. So, I'm not sure why that question is coming up now, 30 years later.”
She adds, "Some people get limelight from talking about other people. You get a little bit of attention here and there when you talk about people. People will talk. We don't have to hear it. We have to live our life. We have to be happy. We don't have to sit and justify to the entire world. We're not here to answer anybody. Nobody pays our bills."
‘It’s complicated’
While in a previous interview Prateik mentioned about mending his ways with his family, remind that to the actor, and he clarifies, “When the time is right, I will chat about this. Let's just leave it the way it is for now. It's a bit complicated.”
Priya chimes in again, “It's too much too... and not just an interview. This is not something you can just ask and somebody can explain it. It is somebody's life we're talking about. Somebody went through something for 30 years. Not a lot of people would understand what a kid goes through when they lose their mom at first, right? That's the question I would like to ask everybody who's trolling and asking questions. Did you lose your mom when you were two weeks old? And if you didn't, I don't think you have any right to comment here. Whoever spoke during our wedding, may that be a troller, may that be some family member, whoever, nobody lost their mother at two weeks old, right? Nobody has the right because nobody can understand what this person went through. Whenever he feels the time is right to speak about it, to speak about things that he has never spoken about, he will. He's born into this industry. This industry is his friend. The media is his friend. He's nothing to hide. He's never hidden anything. His past, his present.”
Prateik further adds, "It's extremely complicated for the time being and as Priya mentioned, when I am ready to talk about things that I haven't before and that need to be spoken about, it will clear the air, not just for me, but for everybody, even that family."
‘Every time something goes down, they always point fingers at a woman’
During their wedding, a lot of allegations were made against Priya, while many including Prateik’s stepbrother Aarya hinting her to be the reason behind the Babbar snub. Priya reveals it didn’t bother her at all, however, Prateik felt otherwise. “It did bother me. It was really riling me up, as people are pointing fingers at her, saying she's the reason,” he says.
Priya adds, “It's not new to us, not new to you, not new to the world. We know that every time something goes down, they always point fingers at a woman.”
‘I'm striving to be like my mother and not like my dad’
Prateik has shed his paternal surname, rebranding himself as Prateik Smita Patil. This deliberate decision to drop the Babbar name from his identity doesn’t worry Prateik, who is unworried about the potential impact on his career or public persona.
“I'm not thinking of any of that. I'm just thinking about what makes me and my soul feel better, and what makes my heart smile, not thinking if it will negatively affect my career. I don't care about the repercussions. All I care about is the way I feel when I hear that name. I need to be wholly and solely associated with my mother (Smita Patil), her name and her legacy. I don't think any other name needs to taint that legacy, if you understand what I mean. It needs to just be her name and her legacy. That's what I'm striving to be. I'm striving to be like my mother and not like my dad. It feels like a new chapter.”
On a parting note, ask the couple if they are open to parenthood and pat comes Prateik’s reply, “I am ready”. “Our marriage and everything have been all about destiny. We are married now, we’ll see what happens next,” Priya concludes.
No one was missing from our wedding or celebrations-Priya Banerjee
8:44 AM
Priya and Prateik address the absence of his father and some family members from their wedding
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 18, 2025)
Actor Priya Banerjee and actor Prateik Babbar, who now goes by the name Prateik Smita Patil, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on Valentine’s Day. In their first interview since the wedding, the couple opens up about their special day.
“Our wedding was exactly as we had dreamt — intimate, special and filled with the people we love the most. What made it even more meaningful was getting married at Rock Cliff, Prateik’s mother’s house. She (late actor Smita Patil) had bought it for him with the hope of raising him there, but unfortunately, she couldn’t. We believe it was her gift to us, her way of ensuring we got married in that home, and so we did,” says Priya.
While the couple has always been open about their relationship, their sudden wedding took fans by surprise. Prateik, taking a philosophical turn, says, “It feels like I’ve done this a thousand times before. It’s like another lifetime, another universe. I feel like I marry her in every lifetime, and this is just one of many more to come.”
The decision to marry on February 14 wasn’t just about Valentine’s Day. Priya explains, “What better day to celebrate love? But more importantly, my parents were visiting, and Prateik wanted to make it official. So, we gathered our closest family, kept it intimate and did the pheras. It felt perfect.”
For Priya, the most special part of the wedding was the presence of their closest family. “His two aunts and my parents were there to celebrate with us. These are the people we love the most, and getting married in his mum’s house made us feel her presence. We didn’t want a lavish event with hundreds of guests or a spectacle for the world. It was about us and the people who love us.”
ON THE BABBAR FAMILY’S ABSENCE
Addressing the speculation about Prateik’s father, actor-politician Raj Babbar, and other family members being absent, Priya clarifies, “No one was missing from our wedding or celebrations. I don’t know why there are rumours suggesting otherwise. Our families were there — my parents, his aunts who raised him, and everyone who truly matters. We were surrounded by love, and that’s all that counts.”
Prateik Babbar, Priya Banerjee married; brother Aarya Babbar reacts to being left out
9:23 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 16, 2025)
February 14, a day celebrated by couples worldwide, became even more special for actor Prateik Patil Babbar and Priya Banerjee as they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony held at Prateik’s late mother, actor Smita Patil’s home.
“We wanted a ghar ki shaadi, and getting married to the love of my life here — the first house my mum bought and my home — was the best way to honour her in spirit,” Prateik told Vogue.
But his stepbrother, Aarya Babbar, son of actor-politician Raj Babbar and theatre personality Nadira Babbar, shared that the exclusion of family from the wedding left him heartbroken. “For the past few months, Prateik has decided to not answer anyone’s calls. It is hurtful,” he tells us, adding, “Hamari maa Nadira ne poori zindagi parivaar ko jodke rakha, unko nahi bulaya for whatever reason... but uss insaan ko toh bulana chahiye jisko Smita maa ne itna pyaar kiya — his dad.”
We don’t want to put Prateik Babbar under any pressure-Juuhi Babbar Soni
10:17 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 15, 2025)
Prateik Patil Babbar and Priya Banerjee tied the knot yesterday, but the absence of the Babbar family raised eyebrows. His half-brother, Aarya Babbar, made a surprising statement, revealing that none of them were invited to the wedding.
When we reached out to their sister, Juuhi Babbar Sonii, she said, “I’m not defending Aarya, but he is obviously hurt, just like everyone else. When someone is hurt, they have the right to express themselves. This is a sensitive topic, and it has been one even before Prateik was born. But no matter what, Prateik is my brother and nothing in the world can change that, nor the fact that hum ek hi baap (Raj Babbar) ki aulaad hain.”
Prateik is surrounded by a few people who have influenced him, says Juuhi Babbar Sonii
‘PRIYA IS A WONDERFUL GIRL, AND HE IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE FOUND A PARTNER WHO TRULY LOVES HIM’
Juuhi also suggested that certain people around Prateik might have played a role in his distancing from the family. She said, “Right now, he is surrounded by a few people — whom we don’t wish to name — who have influenced him. But we don’t want to sandwich him in the middle because that won’t help anyone. When I say sandwich, it doesn’t mean Prateik is caught between Priya and us — absolutely not. Priya is a wonderful girl, and he is extremely fortunate to have found a partner who truly loves and understands him. The real sandwiching is happening because of someone else — someone desperate for publicity and importance. Everyone knows that my mother (Nadira Babbar) has always been with Prateik. It’s such a strong and dominating presence that people get intimidated, thinking we will take the attention away on his special day. Bhai, behen ya baap koi importance lenge? Hum bas yeh chahte hain ki hamara bhai shaant rahe, khush rahe — that’s all that matters to us.”
‘There is no issue from our side’
Despite not being part of the celebration, Juuhi emphasized that there is no animosity. “He has had an unhappy experience in his first marriage, and now he has taken a big step by choosing to remarry. We don’t want to put him under any pressure. Shaadi-byah mein har parivaar mein baatein hoti hain. His first wedding was a grand affair for us, hum khoob naache thay, and when his marriage ended, hamaare papa uske saath khade thay and helped him through it. There is no issue from our side,” she said.
She added, “Right now, maybe he is processing things in his own way, woh khud ko khoj raha hai zara sa. Papa, mummy aur hum sab samajhte hain uski situation ko. Family ka sabse bada kaam hai bachhe ko samajhna. We may not have shared sweets this time, but there will be more occasions to celebrate together. Bahut mauke aayenge, tab hum mithai bhi khaayenge, naachenge bhi, aur phir pictures bhi post karenge. For now, we are letting it pass.”
Only Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna have full access to Sikandar's script
9:11 AM
In a bid to keep the film’s narrative confidential, supporting actors of Salman Khan’s Sikandar are being given access to only bit-sized portions of the entire script
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 10, 2025)
When the cast of the Avengers franchise participated in a mammoth promotional world tour for the 2019 actioner, a story that greatly amused fans was that only a handful of actors of the American multi-starrer were given access to the entire script. In a bid to ensure that the film’s contents did not make their way to the public domain before it hit screens, the makers had allowed most of the cast members access to only those scenes that featured them. Back home in India, matters are no different.
mid-day has it that while Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, the lead actors of A R Murugadoss’ Sikandar, were kept abreast of the storyline, the film’s supporting stars, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Nawab Shah, and Anjini Dhawan, were given limited access to the script.
Confirming the development to mid-day, an insider adds that the supporting actors have also been made to sign a non-disclosure agreement. “They are only being told about their scenes a few days before the filming leg begins. The makers are being secretive about the story and script as they want to keep everything relating to it confidential. Each aspect will be unveiled as a surprise, and fans will learn about the characters only when the first trailer is released,” says the source.
At a time when behind-the-scenes set images are making their way to social media without the knowledge of filmmakers, the measures being taken by Murugadoss and producer Sajid Nadiadwala seem appropriate.
“There has been speculation that the film is an adaptation of Murugadoss’s Tamil movie, Sarkar [2018], but it is not true. If audiences believe this film is a remake, they may create comparison videos on YouTube which may lead to unnecessary criticism. The makers have maintained that this is an original story, and the script has been put together by Sajid and Murugadoss.”
Given that the film features an array of actors across film industries, the makers are also taking measures to ensure that the crew adheres to a structured shooting schedule.
“Everything is being done in an organized manner so that nobody needs to [return to] reshoot any portion. The dubbing is also being done in the same way—once an actor shoots a scene, they complete the dubbing immediately. Currently, the last schedule is being filmed in Mumbai and will be completed in February, when crucial scenes with Salman and the antagonists will be shot.”
mid-day reached out to Murugadoss, but did not hear from him till press time.
Sayani Gupta believes having intimacy coordinators makes things awkward
3:17 PM
Despite working with professionals who taught her tricks to shoot intimate scenes, Sayani Gupta, who plays a part in her next, isn’t always in favour of their appointment
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 6, 2024)
The makers of Khwaabon Ka Jhamela have easily hit the bull’s eye by casting Sayani Gupta in the film that revolves around a finance whiz (played by Prateik Babbar) and a spirited intimacy coordinator, Ruby. After all, Gupta, who plays the role of the latter, has worked with several intimacy coordinators in her previous films, and has also taught her peers the art of filming tricky scenes.
“We had a professional on set in 2013 while shooting Margarita With A Straw. Back then, this was an alien concept, but director Shonali Bose got Monsoon Bisell and Adil Hussain to work with Kalki Koechlin and me. Later, we also had another intimacy coordinator, Aastha Khanna Bhardwaj, on board for Four More Shots Please. Having worked with them, I jokingly say that I have a PhD in the subject.”
Gupta has also taught her peers the tricks to shoot graver sequences in which violence may also be involved. “I have been part of scenes that were intimate and violent. Off screen, I have worked as a coordinator too. So, for this film, I didn’t have to undergo any prep work. I always say that the best research comes from life’s experiences. Of course, workshops and rehearsals help.”
Though the addition of intimacy coordinators on film sets may easily be seen as among the most progressive steps that the industry has taken to cater to women’s safety, Gupta isn’t always in favour of their appointment.
“Sometimes, it is great to work with one, but at times, having them on the set comes in the way of doing scenes in an organic way. As an actor, I know the kind of conversations I must have with my co-actor, and the presence of a coordinator makes things awkward. It can also hamper the flow of a scene that is naturally unfolding with two actors who share the same wavelength.”
As for Danish Aslam’s romcom that releases online on Jio Cinema on November 8, Gupta admits that no intimate scenes are involved. She describes it as a tale of two people who are “equally strange” in their own ways. “The film delivers a message but doesn’t get too serious. It talks about inclusivity and gay pride. We shot at a pride parade, so the film is truly inclusive and open; a celebration of love,” she says of the movie that reunites her with Babbar after the show, Four More Shots Please.
“I recommended Prateik for it. I had already come on board, and Danish was looking to cast for his role. We share chemistry on screen because we are good buddies in real life. We constantly make fun of each other and have seen each other [evolve] in certain ways.”
I am honoured and excited to share screen space with one of my childhood heroes, Salman Khan-Prateik Babbar
9:19 AM
Prateik Patil Babbar talks about sharing screen space with Salman Khan; says was waiting for this collaboration
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 19, 2024)
This year is turning out to be a fulfilling one for Prateik Patil Babbar. The actor, who walked the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for the first time to witness the screening of his mother, late actor Smita Patil’s film Manthan (1976), is looking forward to another first. He is excited about his collaboration with actor Salman Khan in Sikandar.
Confirming his role, he says, “Though, I have met Mr Salman on many informal occasions over the years, I have never collaborated with him. He is also close to my father (actor-politician Raj Babbar) and my family.”
Prateik adds, “Mr Salman and I shared a close bond when I started out as an actor. I would reach out to him for advice in my mid-20s. I am honoured and excited to share screen space with one of my childhood heroes.”
Meanwhile, Prateik will also be seen in Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan co-starring Taapsee Pannu and Pratik Gandhi. His career trajectory has been interesting, with him prioritising quality over quantity. He adds that his focus has always been good work.
“I am such a hungry actor, and I wish the hunger never goes away. I want to tell stories and live characters. People tell me that if one is hungry, they are on the right track. You have to keep trying, that’s what I am here for... in pursuit of greatness, happiness, and doing what I love,” he wraps up.
Salman Khan to wrap up Sikandar’s first schedule with action set-piece at Bandra today
3:58 PM
Sources say Salman to wrap up Sikandar’s first schedule with action set-piece at Bandra five-star today; next leg in August
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 1, 2024)
In May, mid-day had reported that Salman Khan would kick off Sikandar’s shoot in Mumbai in June (Salman to serve some stunts, May 23). Sure enough, the superstar faced the camera for A R Murugadoss’ action fare at the Chitrakoot Grounds in Andheri last week. The cast and crew are set to shoot a major action sequence at Taj Lands End in Bandra today, after which it will be a wrap on the first schedule. When is the next leg? Not before August, we hear.
A source tells us, “At the Chitrakoot Grounds, Salman shot a crucial action sequence with Prateik Babbar involving a plane. For the scene, the exterior of a plane was specially created. On Monday, the team will film at Taj Lands End where they will complete the action set-piece, after which there will be a break for a month-and-a-half.”
During those 45 days, the production design team will be hard at work as they build an elaborate set at the SRPF Ground in Goregaon. The source adds, “Murugadoss’ team has planned the schedule such that through the rains, the set will be constructed. Finally, in mid-August, the team will regroup to shoot some action scenes and crowd-heavy sequences at the location. It will be a straight 40-day schedule.” Slated for an Eid 2025 release, Sikandar also stars Rashmika Mandanna.
Wearing my mom Smita Patil’s scarf at Cannes was a tribute to her-Prateik Babbar
9:06 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; May 27, 2024)
It was an extremely proud moment for actor Prateik Patil Babbar to represent his mother, late actress Smita Patil, at the Cannes Film Festival this year. For the unversed, the restored version of the Manthan (1976), directed by Shyam Benegal, was screened at the 77th edition of the film festival. “This trip is now one of my most precious core memories. It’s been 37 years after her demise, this will remain one of the most symbolic and iconic celebrations of her legacy,” says Prateik.
The highlight of his red-carpet look was a scarf that belonged to his mother. Talking about the sentiment behind it, he says, “She is always with and around me. That is the privilege I have, being her son. She can hold me and hug me whenever I want. Her scarf was a symbolic addition to my custom outfit. It was a special tribute to her.”
The actor adds, “I have many of her scarves preserved in my cupboard. It occurred to me to carry something that belonged to her on her special day. During the fittings for my tuxedo, my stylist and I decided to add the scarf as a tribute to her. The scarf completed the entire look and was a perfect emotional touch for the occasion. I was glad people loved it because it belonged to my mom. I sure did.”
Reflecting on the reaction from people after the film was screened, Prateik shares, “One of the things that people keep saying about her is that there’s nobody who can get into the skin of a character like her. She is the greatest actress in the history of Indian cinema.” He also reveals that Naseeruddin Shah, who was present at the screening, got teary-eyed after the standing ovation.
“He got a well-deserved, standing ovation for his masterful performance and that brought tears to his eyes. I was fortunate enough to witness it first-hand. I hugged him tight and told him how much I was in awe of him.”
Prateik Babbar is ‘a proud son’ as Smita Patil's Manthan to be screened at Cannes
9:43 AM
As Prateik Patil Babbar jets off to attend mum, late Smita Patil’s film screening, he is reminded of ‘what an amazing woman she was’
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 15, 2024)
For Prateik Patil Babbar, the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival will be an emotional affair, as his mother, late actor Smita Patil’s 1976 film Manthan will be screened at the Cannes Classics segment. Talking to us before he flies off to France today, he says, “My mother will be celebrated and it’s a big moment for me and my family. I’m a proud son. This is a reminder of what an amazing woman she was. I’m lucky to be her son.”
With only a few days notice, Babbar put all his professional commitments on hold to attend the screening. Manthan was a crowdfunded film as five lakh dairy farmers pitched in Rs. 2. “My grandma and aunt told me the story behind the making of the film. My grandfather was a farmer and I was always told to feel proud of my lineage.”
The actor reveals he rewatches his mum’s films “frequently”. “For me, it’s like rewatching F.R.I.E.N.D.S; you know what’s going to happen next, but you still keep watching,” he adds.
Ask if he feels his mum isn’t celebrated enough back home and he shares, “That’s the way the cookie crumbles. You get on with life. You can’t blame people. This is a symbolic moment and I hope people will be reminded about her as one of the greatest actors,” he ends.
Prateik Babbar and I are both impulsive, we could get married tomorrow-Priya Banerjee
10:04 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 13, 2024)
"It is celebration of love,” says Prateik Patil Babbar, when asked what Valentine’s Day means to him and now his fiancée-actress Priya Banerjee. For their first interview together, since their engagement in November last year, the couple, shot on the streets of Mumbai, as this is the city where they fell in love. They spoke to us about their love story and their idea of romance.
It's your first Valentine’s Day as an engaged couple, how does it feel?
Prateik: We have butterflies in our stomachs, it’s all exciting. It is going to feel like a mature Valentine’s Day. We are engaged now, so it is exciting.
Priya: We are engaged and now our families are involved. So, it is very special. I always thought that dating, engagement or wedding wouldn’t change much, but that’s a lie. Trust me, when there is a ring on your finger, things change.
Tell me about the proposal, how did that unfold?
Priya: Last year, on November 26, he proposed to me. I wasn’t expecting it. It was about 8 am, I was still in bed and just about waking up. He went down on one knee at the side of the bed and started staring at me, and I was like, ‘What are you doing?’ I could see that he had tears in his eyes. Then he said a lot of things, which honestly in that moment, I couldn't process. But the only thing I remember is him asking me, ‘Will you, Priya Banerjee, marry me? And since I didn’t know how to react, I was like, ‘Hain?’ (laughs).
Prateik: She said yes, and then I put a ring on her finger. Also, I did it the proper way. I asked her parents for permission. I called them a day earlier and asked for their daughter’s hand in marriage. They were thrilled about it.
So, now when will the wedding bells ring?
Priya: The kind of people we are, it could happen tomorrow, or it could happen in five years. We are both very impulsive. We have spoken about it, and we are ready for it. So, hereon, it could be any minute.
Prateik: Having said that, we do want to focus on work.
Priya: We do want to feel like we've done substantial amount of credible work to go with that feeling of togetherness. Our work is always going to be a priority. We're both extremely ambitious people. Everything else just falls in place for us like we know that nothing else.
Prateik: Not that we haven't already, but it just, it feels like we need to achieve a little bit more to take that step.
What made you feel that he/she is the one?
Prateik: We fit like hand in glove. We have so many things in common. We love the same kind of films, shows and food.
Priya: We're both extremely similar and different people. We know when to apologize and when to end an argument, which I think in today's generation, a lot of couples have a problem with. They let the ego come in. I'm not saying we are a perfect couple. We have our differences, but at the same time there is compatibility and a lot of mutual respect. People think that when you get in a relationship it's all going to be nice, with flowers and candies. No, you're going to have to put in hard work. You need to understand each other at your lowest. You have to be each other's strength and you have to push each other, especially in the industry that we're in, because our work can pull us down. So, Prateik is my rock. He has supported me even more than my family.
Prateik: You have to stick through. Relationships are work. She is extremely loving and caring and she knows how to keep her home happy. That's what every man looks for.
Did you think you will fall in love with each other?
Priya: He is my first love. I've never fallen in love before. He is actually the first love of my life. I used to be very frivolous growing up. I never had a very positive outlook towards relationships. But then I met him, and he changed that about me. I was very scared of marriage commitment. But now I want to be married to him and I never felt that ever before.
Prateik: When we first kissed, I knew it. It was game over after that. We both knew in that moment. We took a breath and we looked at each other in that moment and we knew this is a problem.
Prateik Babbar opens up on losing Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, his marriage ending and finding love in Priya Banerjee
3:54 PM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; December 14, 2023)
Nestled in the bustling Carter Road of Bandra, Mumbai, actor Prateik Babbar’s sea-facing abode is a gift to him by his mother, actress Smita Patil. Prateik grew in the very house with his maternal grandparents. “It was very different then,” the actor states, revealing that he redesigned the place all by himself. “Not many know but I like to design interiors. I love visual aesthetics,” he mentions.
As Prateik sits down, basking in the gentle lull of the Arabian sea’s whispers, he peels back the layers of his life. He ventures into his formative years, tainted by the shadows of addiction, to his tumultuous journey through matrimony and the newfound love. Excerpts of the interview as followed:
'It was hard growing up'
“I was a very happy kid but a big brat. I could never see a straight face in a picture. My nani would always say, ‘Vakda tond nako karu’. But it was also hard growing up, trying to understand where my parents are? But I had a lot of fun with my grandmother. She spoiled me. I remember she would wake up every morning by calling me Chew – it means sparrow. I was her sparrow,”
Prateik reminisces. The actor was quite close to his grandmother. Her demise was the “most difficult time” in his life. “I knew everything will change once she was done. And it did for the better. It was an overnight decision for me to not be slave to drugs and alcohol,” he states.
'I do think that life has been extremely unfair to me'
Prateik has been vocal about his tryst with substance abuse. “Addiction is a disease. I almost lost myself,” he says. At the age of 18, Prateik was "tricked" by his family to a rehabilitation center. "I was obnoxious, nobody could talk to me. I was always intoxicated. So, they had to trick me to get into rehab. And rehab was difficult. I remember waking up in a rehab in a bed, in a straitjacket. I was just screaming, crying. I was 18 and it scared me. It was dark, I was suicidal. I wanted to be with my grandmother. ‘I just want to be with you maa,’ is all I would cry. It was painful,” Prateik shares.
The second time drugs re-entered Prateik’s life was when he was 25, fresh off the debacle of his film
Ekk Deewana Tha and nursing a heartbreak with actress Amy Jackson. “Back then I was straight out of a heartbreak. That was a widely reported relationship so it was terrible. There was an avalanche of emotions. I was feeling life was unfair to me. Even today, I do think that life has been extremely unfair to me. It took away the most precious emotion a child can have,” he recalls.
'Still disappointed that I lost Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'
During his second row with alcohol and drugs Prateik recalls on losing out on several projects: “I felt like the industry was being unfair to me. When I slipped back to self-destruction the films were getting shelved as I was too drugged up to say my dialogues or show up on set. Then I had a slump in my career. Everything was just so fast, I didn’t understand. It was overwhelming for me. Everything, the politics, the vices, and then I crashed, everything came crumbling down.”
However, for Prateik the most disappointing loss was two years before him slipping into drugs. “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” he names, adding, “I was locked to play the role of Milkha. I remember Ranveer Singh walked out of the audition room, and I walked in. They just stopped the audition as they found what they were looking for. I started readings with Prasoon Joshi. I was shooting in Udaipur for Aarakshan
and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, came to see me. When it came to locking the commercials, my then manager told me they would handle it. I was 23-year-old, I didn’t know what to talk about money. But my agency ghosted them. Three weeks later I found out Farhan Akhtar was doing it. I am still disappointed."
‘I was an absolute mess for a long time after my marriage ended’
Prateik married Sanya Sagar in 2019, however, soon the two decided to split. Prateik has never opened up about what went wrong in that marriage. He, however, shares, “We were in love. That’s why we married. I want to give that relationship all the respect that it deserved. We were two different people. We didn’t have time to figure each other out. And I think it is extremely important to figure each other out before you jump into a marriage or something concrete. It (The marriage) was rushed. There was some family pressure. I was 32, and I wanted to have kids by 35.” Prateik and Sanya’s divorce came through on January 31 earlier this year.
Calling the divorce “complicated”, Prateik adds, “It was heartbreaking. I was an absolute mess for a really long time. I got married for all the wrong reasons. We thought we would figure out love and compatibility on our way. (But) It doesn’t work like that. You need to figure out everything before. Emotional frustrations led to bad choices and decisions. I felt betrayed in my marriage. But (in retrospect) if that marriage had not failed, I wouldn’t have met the woman in my life today.”
'I am so blessed to have Priya'
The woman in Prateik’s life is actress Priya Banerjee. The two have been seeing each other since 2020, however, they only made the relationship official earlier this year on Valentine’s Day. “I am so blessed and fortunate to have Priya. I have made so many mistakes, but I must have done something right for such a wonderful woman to come in my life. I was separated, going through divorce and Priya had broken off her engagement. It was then, when I slipped into her DMs in 2020. When we kissed first, it was game over. I knew it (she is the one). I was hesitant initially due to my divorce and how complicated it was. But she is my home. I am more obsessed with her,” he signs off.
I am nobody to sit here and judge Prateik Babbar for his past-Priya Banerjee
8:21 AM
Actress Priya Banerjee talks about being in a relationship with Prateik Babbar for three years and how they encourage each other professionally
Neha Maheashwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 2, 2023)
Priya Banerjeeis in a happy space, both personally and professionally. The actress, who was last seen in the web series Rana Naidu, looks forward to an eventful year with two projects ready for release and two in the pipeline. Talking about enjoying the web domain, she says, “OTT has opened the floodgates of opportunities for everyone. Also, since the shelf life of shows is much longer on OTT, it gives old shows a chance to be revived.
Films are more about Friday verdicts, which nobody wants to risk. However, theatres will always retain their larger-than-life charm. There is something about the way you are projected on the big screen that is truly magical.”
‘We have been in a relationship for about three years now’
On the personal front, the actress made her relationship with Prateik Babbar Insta official this Valentine’s Day. On being quizzed about it, she reveals that the two have been together for quite some time now. She says, “People assume we have been together only for a year because we announced it on social media on Valentine’s Day. However, it’s been about three years now. We kept it low-key, as we didn’t want the extra attention on our relationship.”
‘Prateik is passionate about his work, but he is still to get his due’
We ask her if a wedding is on the cards, and she says, “Prateik has just made a comeback, and he is very serious about his work right now. He is immensely passionate about his work, but I think he is still to get his due. But with the kind of work he has been doing lately, hopefully, it will be soon. We encourage and push each other to do better, and that’s what matters right now. The wedding will happen, and when it does, there will be a grand announcement. We are serious about our relationship. However, it’s not happening this year,” she signs off.
‘Our relationship isn’t a clichéd one’
Prateik previously dated actor Amy Jackson and later got married to producer Sanya Sagar in 2019. However, the couple separated a year later. Has his past ever been a cause for concern? “His past does not matter,” Priya replies, adding, “Everyone has a past. Some people hide it, and some don’t, and the fact that he has never hidden it, that’s respectful. I, too, have a past. I was a different person than I am now. So, I am nobody to sit here and judge him for his past. Also, our relationship isn’t a clichéd one. We are great buddies, and we talk about anything and everything with each other. It also helps that he has such a lovely big family because I am all about family, food, and celebrations!”
On getting similar tattoos:
We got the tattoo (of each other’s initials) a year and a half after we started dating. I knew he was the one. Prateik is a genuinely great human being. I was cynical about relationships and had my guard on, especially because in this industry our work is so hectic, and we have to travel a lot. That’s where Prateik came in, he was just all heart.”
When Prateik smiles, he looks exactly like Smita Patil-Shabana Azmi
8:16 AM
This picture of Azmi with a young Prateik Babbar was taken at Smita Patil’s sister’s Chicago home
Shabana, who did some of her most powerful films with the late Patil, says shooting with her son Prateik for Imaginary Rain was emotional
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 21, 2023)
Sharing screen space with the late Smita Patil remains among the most cherished memories of Shabana Azmi’s acting career. The two powerhouse performers gave Hindi cinema some of its most compelling movies in Nishant (1975), Arth (1982), Mandi (1983) and Oonch Neech Beech (1989). Today, as Azmi shares screen space with Patil’s son Prateik Babbar in Imaginary Rain, she marvels at the “surreal” nature of it all.
“It was deeply emotional for me to shoot with Prateik. He bears an uncanny resemblance to Smita. When he smiles, he looks exactly like her,” shares the senior actor. Ever since Babbar kicked off his acting career with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008), Azmi knew it was only a matter of time before they would be cast together. Celebrated chef Vikas Khanna’s directorial venture made her wish come true.
“Prateik and I being cast together at some point was inevitable, given that Smita and I did so many films together. I was touched because Smita’s elder sister Anita Patil, who has been my friend for over 35 years, flew down from Mumbai to watch the first day of our shoot [in Amritsar].”
Babbar plays a cab driver in Imaginary Rain, which is a screen adaptation of director Khanna’s novel of the same name and chronicles his grandmother’s journey after she opened a restaurant in New York.
“Prateik and I were to do a Faraz Ansari film, which was postponed. So, we were able to shoot Imaginary Rain. Prateik is a disciplined actor. There is a shot in which he cried naturally. He said he has never been able to do that before. He also told me he wants to sink his teeth into meaty roles, irrespective of their length. That’s an actor talking,” smiles Azmi.
Prateik Babbar and I thought it was time, says Priya Banerjee on going Insta official
8:47 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 27, 2023)
On Valentine’s Day this year, actors Priya Banerjee and Prateik Babbar went Instagram-official as a couple. The two have been rumoured to be seeing each for around a year now, but have never openly spoken about their relationship.
“It is always nice to fall in love,” admits Banerjee, 32, as she opens up about her bond with Babbar, 36, for the first time. Ask what made them go Insta official on February 14, and she says, “We (Prateik and her) thought it was time... We have been together since last year. And, it was Valentine’s Day, so [we thought], why not!”
At present, the two are in a “happy phase”. “We met through friends and just clicked. We are very similar people... we are fun, lazy people! We just want to work and be at home,” shares Banerjee.
Rumours of their relationship surfaced every now and then, but the couple chose to keep mum. “We are a little private when it comes to things like this. You want to be spoken about [for] your work, not your relationship. The moment you talk about relationships, the whole focus shifts there. We work so hard for people to talk about our work, and then suddenly, they don’t want to know about that — they [just] want to know who you’re dating. So, we wanted to keep it under wraps. Even now, we want to make sure it’s not the highlight of our lives. Work should always be the highlight,” she asserts.
That being said, Banerjee is elated at the response she got on the post. “We didn’t expect it to go viral! Everybody was happy for us, our friends and families. That is what matters [to us],” says the Bekaaboo actor.
Madhur Bhandarkar said, ‘If you sign India Lockdown, you can pay homage to Smita Patil.’ I was instantly sold-Prateik Babbar
2:28 PM
Prateik says he gave his nod to India Lockdown after the director noted that part was similar to mother Smita Patil’s roles
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 16, 2022)
Working with Madhur Bhandarkar was always on Prateik Babbar’s wish-list. There was, however, a bigger incentive to be a part of India Lockdown, helmed by Bhandarkar. “When Madhur sir approached me, he told me that my mother [Smita Patil] would play such characters. He said, ‘If you do this, you can pay homage to Smita Patil.’ I was instantly sold. Also, I like to present diverse characters to the audience. Playing a migrant worker attracted me,” says Babbar.
In the ZEE5 film, the director studies the pandemic-induced lockdown through the lens of marginalised sections of society. Babbar plays a migrant worker who, with his family, tries to make his way back to his hometown.
The actor says, “This film is an emotion that we have all shared globally. [Through Madhav], I had the opportunity to relive the hardships the community faced during the lockdown. Even otherwise, on an everyday basis, they struggle to make ends meet. Portraying their heart-wrenching journey was a huge responsibility. It had to be done with utmost sincerity.”
The movie also stars Shweta Basu Prasad, Aahana Kumra and Sai Tamhankar.
Despite the controversy, things have been handled graciously in Four More Shots Please-Prateik Babbar
8:21 AM
Prateik Babbar on being a pivotal cast-member of the women-fronted drama, Four More Shots Please, which is set to present its third edition
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 23, 2022)
Among the few cast members to have featured in all three editions of the show, Prateik Babbar says it is a “breath of fresh air” to turn up on the sets of Four More Shots Please, where women artistes take precedent. “Here, 90 per cent of the working individuals, including the producers, actors, and writers, are women. It is an all-women’s set, and I feel like I am in great hands,” says the actor who plays bartender-owner Jeh Wadia in the 10-episode Amazon Prime Video series.
Even though the story belongs to the four leading women, played by Saiyani Gupta, Bani J, Kirti Kulhari and Manvi Gagroo, he says his character has been integral to their journey, making him feel like “a part of their gang”.
Not one to brush the criticism that the show has received under the carpet, owing to the flawed female characters, he says, “Maybe, people are not open-minded, but we have focused on the positives. The love that has been pouring in over the years is also [testimony]. It is an Emmy-nominated show, and that title speaks for itself. Despite the controversy, things have been handled graciously.”
Filming in Italy for this third season enabled the unit to “let our guards down”. “The more time we spent together, the more comfortable we became. The bond we shared will last forever.”
Apart from Babbar, this edition also features, Lisa Ray, Neil Bhoopalam, Rajeev Siddharth, Simone Singh, Samir Kochhar, Jim Sarbh, Rohan Mehra, Shilpa Shukla, and Sushant Singh in pivotal roles.
Mum’s birth anniversary is an extremely vulnerable day for me-Prateik Babbar
8:22 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 17, 2022)
The legacy of late actor Smita Patil lives on through her films, and her son, actor Prateik Babbar, would love nothing more than to carry it on. On her birth anniversary today, Babbar, who is gun-shy about public appearances, will be seen cutting a cake amid fans of his mum as well as the paparazzi. He also plans to commemorate the day with a charity that takes in and feeds stray animals.
“I want to get their (paparazzi) blessings. She was always loved and I want to carry forward that emotion. No one can forget who Smita Patil was. Recently, on Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan’s birthday (October 11), there were screenings of his films. Aaj Rapat Jaye To (a song featuring Bachchan and Patil from Namak Halaal; 1982), got the most whistles and applause. So many people shared the videos from the theatre,” Babbar shares.
Patil died from complications during childbirth and would have been 67 today. Babbar says, “Her birth and death anniversaries are two extremely vulnerable days for me. However, I feel blessed and humbled with all the wishes that pour in. I think about her all day and I feel lost, but there’s always lots of love.”
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