When Prateik Babbar revealed he became a drug addict at the age of 13, said, "I had a different upbringing, my family situation was very..."

Prateik Babbar

Prateik Babbar has never shied away from discussing his battle with substance abuse, a struggle that began long before his rise in the film industry. In a candid interview with Bollywood Bubble, Prateik opened up about how addiction became a part of his life at a young age. The actor, son of iconic Bollywood actress Smita Patil and actor-politician Raj Babbar, revealed that his struggle with drugs began at the tender age of 13, years before he stepped into the limelight. This revelation challenges the common assumption that his substance abuse was a result of the pressures and lifestyle associated with fame in the film industry.

Prateik clarified this misconception, explaining, “I just 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. Unfortunately, I had a different kind of upbringing, and my family situation was a bit complicated. 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.”

Prateik’s openness about his past is not just limited to the early onset of his addiction. He also spoke about the long-lasting impact drugs had on his personal life, especially in his relationships. He explained, “And yes, it did affect me, and still does, especially in relationships. Drugs are associated with trauma, you understand. As long as that trauma isn’t released, it will continue to impact relationships and other areas of life.”

Despite these challenges, Prateik’s journey toward healing has been one of resilience and self-reflection. He emphasized the importance of working through one's issues and actively striving for personal growth, stating, “But there comes a time when you have to work to make things better, which I’ve been doing for many years. My fiancée (actor Priya Banerjee) has been helping me improve in many ways. 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". He affectionately added, “We’re helping each other grow, though she doesn’t need any improvement—she’s perfect!”

Prateik’s personal life has seen significant changes in recent years. He was previously married to producer Sanya Sagar in 2019, but the couple separated in 2020, and their divorce was finalized in 2023. His engagement to Priya Banerjee earlier this year marks a hopeful new chapter in his life. Despite the personal and emotional challenges, Prateik has continued to make strides in his career. His father, Raj Babbar, expressed pride in his son's progress, reflecting on the difficult period when Prateik was struggling with his addiction. Raj Babbar shared, “Prateik is there (film industry) and he is doing everything. He is very sincerely working. Beech mein ek waqt aaya tha jab usne sabko pareshan kiya tha aur khud bhi pareshan raha tha lekin ab usne apne aap ko iss tarah se mold kiya hai. God is very kind.” In English, this translates to: “There was a time in between when he troubled everyone and was troubled himself, but now he has molded himself. He is doing good work, he is getting good offers.”

Prateik’s recovery is not only a personal triumph but an inspiring journey for many. His return to the screen in Danish Aslam’s romantic comedy Khwaabon Ka Jhamela, where he stars alongside Sayani Gupta, marks another milestone in his career. His transformation—from battling addiction to emerging as a sober and committed individual—has resonated with fans and industry colleagues alike.