Shobhaa De on Prateik's Innocence

A Tribute to Prateik Babbar

Shobhaa De's admiration for Prateik Babbar is evident. She sees a lot of his late mother, Smita Patil, in him. Smita Patil was a celebrated actress in Indian cinema, known for her powerful performances and strong screen presence. Prateik, following in her footsteps, has shown immense potential and sensitivity as an actor.

The Exploitation of Personal Tragedy

De finds it particularly distasteful when filmmakers exploit Prateik's personal life for dramatic effect. Reports of Smita Patil's presence "haunting" the sets of "My Friend Pinto" are not only grotesque but also disrespectful. Such tactics, she argues, are a desperate attempt to manipulate audience sentiment. Prateik, in the film, is forced to speak about his deceased mother, which De finds deeply troubling.

Prateik's Acting Potential

Despite the challenges, Prateik's talent is undeniable. His range as an actor was evident in "My Friend Pinto," especially during the singing and dancing scenes, which paid homage to old Hollywood musicals. The film, although flawed in its first half, comes together post-interval, ending on a magical, feel-good note. Prateik's performance, with his expressive eyes and unique voice, stands out, making him a promising actor in the industry.

The Need for Better Roles

De emphasizes that Prateik needs to be more selective with his roles. The repetitive portrayal of a vulnerable Goan orphan in dangerous situations does not do justice to his talent. Similarly, Kalki Koechlin, another talented actress, should avoid clichéd dialogues and roles that do not showcase her true potential.

Supporting Cast Performances

The film also features commendable performances by Divya Dutta and Shruti Seth. Dutta's portrayal of a boozed-up, fading actress is both humorous and poignant, while Seth's stylish and nuanced performance adds depth to the film. However, it is Prateik who truly shines, breaking hearts with his emotive performance.

The South Mumbai Power Outage

In a brief aside, De mentions the ongoing power and water outage in South Mumbai, which has left residents, including those on the 25th floor of her complex, in a precarious situation. Uddhav Thackeray, a prominent political figure, attributes the outage to a political stunt, a claim De is inclined to believe given the dire circumstances.

Conclusion

Prateik Babbar's journey in the film industry is a testament to his resilience and talent. Despite the challenges and exploitation of his personal life, he continues to shine, much like his mother, Smita Patil. With better role selection and continued dedication, Prateik has the potential to become one of the leading actors in Indian cinema.

Interesting Stats

• Smita Patil's Legacy: Smita Patil, Prateik's mother, won the National Film Award for Best Actress twice and was a recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award (source).
• Prateik's Debut: Prateik made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed film "Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na" (2008), which was a commercial success, grossing over ₹830 million worldwide (source).
• Mental Health in Bollywood: A study by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that 34.3% of actors in the Indian film industry experience mental health issues, highlighting the pressures faced by actors like Prateik (source).

By understanding the nuances of Prateik's journey and the challenges he faces, we can better appreciate his contributions to Indian cinema and support his continued growth as an actor.