'Mix Of Sentimentality And Superstition': Prateik Babbar On His Love For Mother Despite Never Seeing Her

Bollywood actor Prateik Patil Babbar, formerly known as Prateik Babbar, has a unique connection with his late mother that transcends the realms of celluloid. Born to the legendary duo of Raj Babbar and Smita Patil, Prateik faced the tragic loss of his mother when he was just a few days old. Smita Patil, an influential figure in the parallel cinema movement of the 80s, passed away at the age of 31 due to complications arising from childbirth. At the tender age of 15 days, Prateik found himself motherless.

Reflecting on his childhood, Prateik acknowledged a strained relationship with his father, Raj Babbar, during those early years. Raj Babbar’s commitments to his other family, including his wife Nadira Babbar and children Arya and Juhi Babbar, contributed to the distance between father and son. However, as Prateik entered adulthood, reconciliation marked a turning point in their relationship.

Despite never meeting his mother, Prateik has openly expressed the profound impact of Smita Patil on his life and career. In a poignant tribute, he chose to immortalize her memory by getting a tattoo on his chest that bears her name Smita, accompanied by her birth date. This tattoo serves as a personal homage to the woman whose presence he feels deeply, even in her absence.

Earlier this year, Prateik took his tribute a step further by incorporating his mother’s surname into his own identity. Renaming himself Prateik Patil Babbar, he added Patil as his middle name, signalling a profound shift in his connection to his roots. This name change, reflected across his social media platforms, symbolizes not only Prateik’s enduring love and respect for his late mother but also a conscious choice to embrace his unique identity and legacy.

In his own words, Prateik shared his intention behind this symbolic gesture, stating, “Whenever my name appears in movie credits or anyplace else for that matter, I will now go by my mother’s last name as my middle name, creating my new stage moniker, Prateik Patil Babbar. My intention is for it to serve as a memento of her incredible and noteworthy history, as well as a reminder of my legacy and the brilliance and magnificence of her.”