Actor Prateik Babbar, who now goes by the name Prateik Smita Patil in tribute to his late mother, legendary actress Smita Patil, recently opened up about his emotional journey following his divorce from film producer Sanya Sagar. The actor, known for his roles in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Dhobi Ghat, and Chhichhore, revealed that he went through a dark and bitter phase after his marriage ended in 2023.
In a candid conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Prateik reflected on the emotional toll his broken marriage took on him. He admitted, "I gave it my all in my previous marriage. I stepped up to my role, no matter what life or that relationship threw at me. I wanted to be the best partner. But unfortunately, it didn't work out. So I was extremely bitter about love and marriage."
After the split, Prateik confessed he struggled to cope and ended up acting out in ways that he now sees as part of his healing process. He shared, "Out of vengeance, I ended up following thousands of pretty women on Instagram. I was like, 'I was so good in my marriage… now let's see.' And ladies, be aware. It was really ladies vs. Prateik… the beast in me unleashed. That was my mindset."
Interestingly, it was during this phase of bitterness that he unknowingly followed his now-wife, actress Priya Banerjee, on Instagram. She followed him back, but they didn’t speak until he responded to one of her stories — a small gesture that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
“She had broken her previous engagement, and I was going through a divorce. That's when we happened to meet in the lockdown. Kafi logon ke liye lockdown negative raha… kafi logon ki shaadiyaan toot gayi… par humne pyaar dhoond liya aur humari shaadi pakki ho gayi,” he recalled.
The couple married in an intimate ceremony at Smita Patil’s residence, dressed in custom ivory outfits by Tarun Tahiliani. Notably, Prateik did not invite his father, Raj Babbar, or his half-siblings. He has since officially adopted the name Prateik Smita Patil, in loving memory of his mother.
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