"Aamir complimented me on my work" - Prateik Babbar 
By Nikhil Ramsubramaniam, June 25, 2008 - 14:11 IST
While most star-sons / daughters get launched with big hype, this young lad prefers to let his work do all the talking. Acting is in his blood and why not after all he is the son of two of the finest actors of Hindi cinema- Raj Babbar and late Smita Patil. With such genes, it is but natural that he decided to step into Bollywood. We are talking about the newest kid on the block- Prateik Babbar who will be seen playing an important role in the much awaited romantic comedy Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. In a free-wheeling chat with Bollywood Hungama, Prateik shares his experience working on the film, talks about his growing up days and reveals what he likes to do in his free time.
Until recently, no one knew that you are debuting with Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. Why was it kept under wraps?
To be honest I have no idea (smiles). Technically, this is my debut as it's the first feature film which I would be seen in, but the film is not based on me nor am I playing the lead character. So may be that's why….
Technically this is my debut as it's the first feature film which I would be seen in, but the film is not based on me nor am I playing the lead character.
|
So what role do you play in the film?
I play Genelia's brother in the film. I am always teasing her and taking her case in the film. The character's name is Amit Wadia. He is someone who has had a troubled childhood. That troubled background of his, makes him very arrogant and laidback. He is also an introvert and doesn't like talking to too many people. He paints once in a while and has a pet mouse. His parents are always worried about him, if he is going in the right track or if he is doing something wrong. Beyond that I guess, it's best that you watch the film and see for yourselves.
|
My character's name is Amit Wadia. He is someone who has had a troubled childhood, which makes him very arrogant and laidback.
|
How did you bag the film?
I was working with Prahlad Kakkar in his production team when I got a call to screen test for this film. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to do something like this at that time; however, I went ahead and gave a screen test. They liked me and thought I fit the character perfectly and offered me the role. This was also around the same time when I was planning to study at a film school but when I got the role, I decided to join next term after the shoot.
Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na is touted as Imran's grand launch…Weren't you looking for debuting with a solo lead film?
To be frank, I never thought about debuting in a film and all that stuff. I knew Imran to some extent. I am glad that I am with him in his first film and my best wishes are always with him. I also hope people appreciate the film and my work.
How has been the experience working on Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na?
Oh, it's been great fun to work on this film. Imran is a really great guy and Abbas is also a fantastic director. He is a really flexible guy to work with and the whole atmosphere was really chilled out.
Did you get a chance to interact with Aamir Khan? How was the experience?
Not really as he was always busy….he is Aamir Khan after all (laughs). But I met him two weeks ago during a get-together and he complimented me on my work. He said that I fit the character to the bill which really was very sweet of him. It indeed gave me a big high.
|
I met Aamir two weeks ago during a get-together and he complimented me on my work.
|
Not much is known about your background besides the fact that you are the son of two great actors of Hindi cinema- Smita Patil and Raj Babbar. So what is your background like?
I am just a normal guy who was busy studying before acting in this film. I keep doing a lot of short courses. I studied for 6 -7 months with Mr. Subhash Ghai at Whistling Woods International. Then I did an acting course with Mr. Kishore Namit Kapoor. I consider him to be my Guru. He is the biggest motivation in my life. He has taught some of the biggest stars of this industry and is indeed a man of complete wisdom with tremendous amount of experience.
|
I did an acting course with Mr. Kishore Namit Kapoor. I consider him to be my Guru.
|
Your mom (late Smita Patil) passed away when you were really young. Whom did you live with during your childhood days?
I have been living with my grandparents (mom's parents).
Did you always harbor dreams of pursuing acting and entering Bollywood?
Yes. Initially I wanted to be a cricketer though. I was quite good at cricket. I was a pace bowler and a pinch-hitter like Irfan Pathan. Due to some reason I quit playing in my 12th grade.
|
Initially I wanted to be a cricketer though. I was quite good at cricket.
|
Are you in touch with you dad regularly - Mr.Raj Babbar?
He is my dad after all (smiles). We are as close as any other father and son. He is always there for me, encouraging me and telling me what is right and what is wrong.
Arya Babbar once quoted that “Parteik is my buddy”. Are you close to him?
Yes…he is my buddy and advisor and I am his support system.
Your mom is considered as one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema .She has to her credit numerous memorable performances. Which do you rate as some of her best performances?
Oh…there are so many of them. Chakra, Mirch Masala with Mr. Naseeruddin Shah and Shakti with Mr.Bachchan are some of my favorites.
Is there any actress who has the same intensity like your mom among the current generation?
I think Nandita Das…there are others too but they need the right roles and directors.
|
Among the current lot, I think Nandita Das has the same intensity like my mom
|
Among the current crop of actors / actresses whom do you admire and would love to work with in the future?
I love Arjun Rampal. I think he is the ultimate dude. He is the King of Good looks. He is finally playing a rock star in Rock On and I wonder what took him so long? (Laughs)
So what's the real Prateik like and what are his hobbies?
What am I like? I am just a normal guy. I love going to the gym and working out. I love sports - football, cricket….all kinds of sports.
What kind of roles would you like to do in the future?
I would love to do a role like what Vivek did in Company. I think he is really lucky to start out with a genre like that. He has got some good roles like in Company and Shootout At Lokhandwala. I would also love to do some dark stuff like Kaante.
|
I would love to do a role like what Vivek did in Company and Shootout at Lokhandwala. I would also love to do some dark stuff like Kaante
|
Any director whom you would like to work with in the future?
Oh…there are so many of them. Everyone has their own style of making films and is good in their own way. I would love to work with all of them at some point in the future.
So what's on the agenda after Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na?
That's something which I would not like to tell you now as the surprise element won't be there (Laughs). I am doing a theatre workshop with my mom and sister's Ekjute Theatre Group. After that I really don't know what I am planning to do next. I may just do one more short course in acting (laughs)
|
