Prateik Smita Patil Exposes Bollywood's 'Fake Marriages' and Father's Wedding Exclusion
In a candid revelation, actor Prateik Smita Patil has opened up about his decision to not invite his father, veteran actor Raj Babbar, to his 2025 wedding with Priya Banerjee. This move has sparked widespread discussion, with Prateik now shedding light on the deeper issues within Bollywood's personal relationships.
A Turbulent Father-Son Relationship
Prateik, the son of late actress Smita Patil and Raj Babbar, grew up under the care of his maternal grandparents after his mother's tragic death due to childbirth complications. His father reunited with his first wife shortly after, leading to a strained and emotionally turbulent relationship that has persisted over the years. Despite occasional efforts to mend ties, Prateik chose to exclude Raj Babbar from his wedding, a decision that drew criticism from his half-siblings and public trolls.
In a recent interview, Prateik addressed the backlash, hinting at undisclosed truths. "People don't know the truth. Some people from the industry know the truth, some don't, and the general public... But one day, everyone will get to learn the truth. In a story, or a book, or an interview, or a film," he told Miss Malini. His wife Priya added that the experience strengthened their bond, describing how they faced challenges together as a team.
Bollywood Marriages: A Facade, Says Prateik and Priya
Expanding on his critique, Prateik and Priya made shocking claims about the state of marriages in Bollywood. Priya declared, "90 percent of the Bollywood marriages are a facade, and I know that because I am on the inside." Prateik nodded in agreement, stating, "It shows." He referenced Twinkle Khanna's comment on physical infidelity—"raat gayi baat gayi"—to highlight the normalization of cheating in the industry.
Priya, who grew up in Canada, expressed her disapproval of such attitudes, especially from yesteryear actors. "The yesteryear actors, when they say stuff like that, I am judging you. As a Canadian, I am judging you because you are supposed to be Indian, this is in your culture but when you see these people who are married for the image... Don't get married. Do your career, have affairs, respectfully be honest with people. In my country, they do it like that," she said. She emphasized that Indian culture is stronger than Bollywood's portrayal, accusing the industry of treating marriage as a joke.
Prateik concluded by condemning infidelity, calling it "out of fashion." "I think cheating, infidelity, multiple partners, it's out of fashion. It's not cool. Having a wife and a girlfriend is not cool," he asserted. The couple is currently promoting their music video "Ishq Fakir," using their platform to advocate for authenticity in relationships.
Broader Implications for Bollywood
This expose raises questions about the authenticity of personal lives in the entertainment industry. Prateik's comments challenge the glossy image often projected by Bollywood, suggesting a disconnect between public personas and private realities. His stance reflects a growing trend among younger actors to speak out against industry norms, potentially influencing public perception and encouraging more honest discussions about marriage and fidelity in Indian society.
