Prateik Babbar reveals he started taking drugs when he was 13 years old, says, “It’s not because of the film industry; had a different upbringing"

Prateik Babbar, an actor known for his intense performances in films like Dhobi Ghatand Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, recently opened about his early struggles with substance abuse. Addressing misconceptions that he began using drugs after finding fame in Bollywood, Babbar clarified that his struggles with addiction began when he was just 13 years old, long before he entered the entertainment industry.

In an interview, Prateik said, “I want to say that people think, ‘Oh, he entered films, got fame and money, and then started taking drugs.’ No, that’s not true. My drug use began when I was thirteen years old, even before I turned twelve. Yes, I was terrified. So, it wasn’t because of the film industry.”

Prateik’s journey has not been easy. Born to actress Smita Patil, who passed away shortly after his birth, and actor-politician Raj Babbar, he grew up in an environment shaped by both personal tragedy and fame. Despite having a family with deep roots in Bollywood, he insists that his early substance abuse issues were not a result of his career in the film industry but rather a coping mechanism stemming from a complicated childhood.

“Unfortunately, I had a different kind of upbringing, and my family situation was a bit complicated,” Prateik shared. “That’s why I started using drugs. It’s not that fame and money in films led me to it—I had already started using drugs then.”

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The actor’s candidness about his past highlights the often-overlooked impact of trauma on mental health and the tendency for people to turn to self-destructive coping mechanisms. According to Prateik, these experiences left a deep imprint on his psyche, which he continues to confront and heal from to this day. He explained, “As long as that trauma isn’t released, it will continue to impact relationships and other areas of life. But there comes a time when you have to work to make things better, which I’ve been doing for many years.”

Reflecting on his journey, Prateik acknowledged the lingering effects of his past trauma on his personal relationships and overall well-being. He candidly stated, “Drugs are associated with trauma, you understand.” Despite his ongoing struggles, he expressed a sense of determination to move forward, acknowledging that self-improvement is a continuous process.

Adding a personal dimension to his journey of healing, Prateik mentioned the support of his fiancée, actress Priya Banerjee. “My fiancée has been helping me improve in many ways,” he said warmly. “We’re helping each other grow, though she doesn’t need any improvement—she’s perfect! That’s life, you know; you have to move on.”

Prateik’s openness about his struggles with addiction has been both a source of inspiration and a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the public eye. In recent years, he has dedicated himself to recovery and self-care, and he credits his partner Priya for being a steady source of encouragement and understanding. Earlier this year, the couple announced their engagement, and Prateik has since expressed his gratitude for her presence in his life, particularly in his journey to overcome the emotional scars of his past.

Professionally, Prateik is busier than ever, with several exciting projects in the pipeline. He will be seen in Sikandar, a highly anticipated film directed by AR Murugadoss and featuring Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, and Sathyaraj. He’s also working on Khwaabon Ka Jhamela, directed by Danish Aslam, indicating that his career is on an upward trajectory despite the challenges he has faced.