Shabana Azmi gives an emotional hug to Smita Patil’s son Prateik on Imaginary Rain set, says 'Smita ji is watching this'

Shabana Azmi and Pratik Patil share emotional hug

• Vikas Khanna's Imaginary Rain stars Shabana Azmi, Prateik Patil
• The film explores grief, family, and food's healing power
• Imaginary Rain is adapted from Khanna's 2023 book

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Celebrity chef and filmmaker Vikas Khanna is gearing up to touch hearts once again with his upcoming film Imaginary Rain, a deeply personal story that weaves together food, family, and emotion.

Adapted from his own 2023 book, the film stars the legendary Shabana Azmi alongside Prateik Patil, and fans are already drawn to the warm, genuine rapport between the two actors.

Recently, Vikas Khanna shared a heartfelt clip on social media that perfectly captures this connection. In it, Shabana Azmi and Prateik Patil sit together on a staircase, and the actress embraces him warmly, noting it’s the first time she’s shared such a hug in 25 years.

The pair also reflect on Prateik’s mother, Smita Patil, imagining her watching over them. Vikas Khanna wrote alongside the clip, “So much history, remembrance, and love live in this moment. I feel Smita ji will be watching with us tonight. In three hours, I will share IMAGINARY RAIN with them. A story of identity and promises kept. I have waited almost six and a half years for this moment…with hope in my heart.”

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A post shared by Vikas Khanna (@vikaskhannagroup)

Imaginary Rain follows Shabana Azmi’s character, a MasterChef in Manhattan, who returns to her roots in India after a personal tragedy. Prateik Patil appears alongside her, and the story explores grief, family bonds, and the redemptive power of food.

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A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)

Speaking to PTI, Vikas Khanna said, “My next movie is coming out in a few months. It’s called ‘Imaginary Rain’, it’s with Shabana Azmi, A R Rahman, and Prateik. It’s about a chef in New York. I think it’s my life’s best work. And to direct Shabana Azmi has been one of the biggest privileges of my life. I’m very proud of it. For me to convince her to play this role will possibly be one of the greatest highlights of my life.”

Also Read: Shabana Azmi shares sweet throwback pics with Javed Akhtar on their 41st wedding anniversary

This project marks another milestone in Vikas Khanna’s journey as a filmmaker. He debuted in 2019 with The Last Color, starring Neena Gupta, and continues to balance storytelling with his culinary career. He also returned as a judge on MasterChef India 2026, alongside Chef Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapoor, adding his warmth and expertise to the show.