NOT WITHOUT MY MOTHER

PRATEIK SMITA PATIL TALKS ABOUT HIS MOTHER'S LEGACY AND MORE IN A CHAT WITH SRIJITA SEN

- SRIJITA SEN

What's in a name, as the Bard said. Ask Prateik Smita Patil, who has changed his surname from Babbar to Smita Patil, in honour of the legacy of his legendary mother... The actor is basking in the glow of newlywed life. There's an easy smile on his face and a boyish excitement in his voice as he talks about finally being able to call Priya Banerjee his wife. Married life clearly suits him. Professionally too, it's been a solid year. With two major releases under his belt, Sikandar and Hit 3: The Third Case. Prateik has plenty to be pleased about. He's particularly thrilled about sharing screen space with Salman Khan in Sikandar, a dream come true, he says, having grown up watching the superstar. Hit 3, meanwhile, marks his much-anticipated Telugu debut. Seventeen years into the business, Prateik is still as driven and committed as ever. As we chat on a video call, he opens up about recent projects, future ambitions and the powerful legacy of a mother he never knew, yet feels deeply connected to.

WAS THERE ANY PARTICULAR MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU TRULY FELT THE WEIGHT OF BEING SMITA PATIL'S SON?

I can't put a finger on it. But yes, there have been many instances where I felt a bit overwhelmed. I've normalised it because I've felt this so much since Iwas a child that now I've forgotten what really makes me feel like that. I'm used to it now. But there have been many times when I feel overwhelmed. This is a bit much for any child or young person to deal with. But it's part and parcel of life. This is my own unique journey.

YOU ALSO GOT MARRIED IN THE HOUSE SHE BOUGHT...