Prateik Smita Patil BREAKS SILENCE on dropping father Raj Babbar’s name; wife Priya Banerjee says, “That person was never there in his life”

Actor Prateik Smita Patil, formerly known as Prateik Babbar, has finally opened up about his decision to drop his father’s surname and his choice not to invite Raj Babbar to his wedding. In a candid interview with Times of India, Prateik and his wife Priya revealed their stance on the controversy surrounding their marriage and his identity change.

 

Prateik Smita Patil BREAKS SILENCE on dropping father Raj Babbar’s name; wife Priya Banerjee says, “That person was never there in his life”

 

‘I Want to Be Like My Mother, Not My Dad’ - Prateik Babbar

 

Prateik, who tied the knot with Priya on Valentine’s Day 2025, firmly stated that his decision to adopt his mother’s name was deeply personal. “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, her name, and her legacy. I’m striving to be like my mother and not like my dad,” he asserted.

 

His mother, the late Smita Patil, remains one of Indian cinema’s most revered actresses, known for her powerful performances and strong screen presence. By embracing her name, Prateik aims to honor her legacy and carve his own path in the industry.

 

Wedding Without Raj Babbar: ‘That Family Was Never There’

 

Despite being a public figure, Prateik chose to keep his wedding intimate, surrounded by those who played a pivotal role in his upbringing. His wife, Priya, addressed the topic of not inviting Raj Babbar, saying, “That family was never there. That person was never there in his life. So, I’m not sure why that question is coming up now.”

 

Priya stated that they chose to stay silent about their personal matters out of respect and dignity. She added, “Let people go back in the past and read old articles to understand what happened in someone’s life. If Prateik and I choose to stay quiet, it is actually out of respect and dignity.”

 

Moving Forward with Confidence

 

Despite the public scrutiny, Prateik remains unfazed. He is focusing on his personal happiness and professional journey. His most recent film, Dhoom Dhaam, premiered on Netflix, and he is now gearing up for the release of Sikandar, headlined by Salman Khan and directed by A.R. Murugadoss.

 

Also Read: Aarya Babbar on not being invited to Prateik Babbar and Priya Banerjee’s wedding, “We feel they both are being brainwashed by someone”

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