Smita’s Boy

Prateik Babbar on friend, mentor and ‘father’ Aamir Khan, and Kiran Rao’s disconcerting stare

In 2008 when Aamir Khan produced a film called Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Naa to launch his nephew Imran, a sharp cameo by a dark boy with his mother’s striking eyes stood out as much as AR Rahman’s music. That one was Prateik Babbar—his mother Smita Patil died in childbirth. A bit melodramatic to put it like that, though Bollywood scriptwriters wouldn’t find it so. So far, Prateik has lived up to Bollywood’s great faith in legacy: his mother Smita was considered the finest actress in Hindi cinema by many. Dhobi Ghat, only his second film in three years, has garnered generous praise for him. An email exchange:

Q Did you always want to be an actor?

A I happened to do Jaane Tu… by chance. At the time I was just testing the waters, before taking a final leap. I wanted to see how it would go, and then decide a final course of action. At the cast and crew screening of the film,  Kiran Rao kept on staring at me, and I  was wondering why. Was my performance really that bad? I couldn’t figure it out , even when she took me aside and started telling me about her next film. I had no clue what she had in mind, and that she wanted to cast me in it. But then she called me over and asked me to give an audition. But yes, I thank destiny for both Jaane Tu… and Dhobi Ghat.

Q Did you do the whole drill: acting classes, dance lessons, voice sessions, etcetera?

A I’m learning Hindi, and yes, sometimes I have to go for Bollywood dance classes.

Q Do you also write? Do you harbour directorial ambitions?

A Right now, my focus is only acting.

Q You seem to be Aamir Khan’s blue-eyed boy…

A Well, if that is so, then I’m lucky! Aamir is a friend, father and mentor to me.

Q Do you think you act well?

A I think you should ask Kiran that .

Q Do you think an actor needs to dance well?

A Well, in Bollywood, the song and dance sequence is synonymous with the film, so yes, dance is quite important.

Q What about six-pack/eight-pack abs?

A Well, for my role in Dhobi Ghat I had to work on my body, as my character is a wannabe actor, while training for the same, so I got into the whole aspect. In fact, now I love gymming and staying fit.

Q You are the kind of guy who is described as unconventionally good looking. What do you think that means?

A It’s embarrassing and flattering at the same time.

Q Do  you think you’re sexy?

A You tell me : )

Q Are you asked about your Ma all the time?

A Yes, but it’s also natural people would want to know about that aspect of my life, and my mother was a great actress.

Q Are there any belongings/objects of hers that you grew up with or discovered her through?

A Though I don’t have any pictures with her, I’ve seen a lot of her pictures.

Q What kind of person do you think she was?

A I think she was a brave person, and had the gumption to follow her dreams. She was also very caring and considerate.

Q Do you get tired of being asked about her?

A Not at all, my mother was a legendary actress. Wish I had lots to say.

Q What about your  dad, is he an actor who you look up to?

A I think dad is one of the finest actors we have had and I have a lot to learn from him.

Q Somehow, you don’t seem a filmi kind of guy. I may be mistaken, though… but are there people in the film industry you are close to?

A I’m extremely close to Aamir. He has been very kind, and taken keen interest in me and guided me.

Q Finally, there is this story about you doing the rounds: that you snubbed Ekta Kapoor on a flight to NY. What do you have to say?

A Really?!

Aamir KhanPrateik BabbarSmita Patil