In a candid revelation, actor Prateik Babbar has opened up about his experience of being part of the popular, female-centric web series "Four More Shots Please!" and the unique style inspiration that sealed the deal for him. The actor, who played a charismatic bar owner in the show, confessed that the promise of being dressed like the legendary Hollywood icon James Dean was the primary reason he signed on.
The James Dean Allure That Sealed the Deal
Prateik disclosed that he was not the first choice for the role. The producers had approached two other actors before him, whose names he chose not to reveal. However, the moment producer Rangita Nandy described the character's aesthetic, he was instantly hooked. "The reason I did the show was because Rangita said 'You are a bar owner and we're going to dress you like James Dean'. I was like, ‘I'm in. Let's do it, when do we start, I was sold’. And all I'm thinking of is James Dean, I'm thinking of Tom Cruise from 'Cocktail'," Prateik shared.
James Dean, the cultural and fashion symbol who died tragically at 24 in 1955, left an indelible mark with films like "Giant", "Rebel Without a Cause", and "East of Eden". This style blueprint became the foundation for Prateik's character, Damien, the charming bar owner who interacts with the show's four central women.
A Journey with the Unapologetic Four
"Four More Shots Please!" premiered in 2019 and quickly became a sensation for its portrayal of four flawed, modern women in Mumbai, played by Sayani Gupta, Bani J, Kirti Kulhari, and Maanvi Gagroo. The series, developed and written by Devika Bhagat with dialogues by Ishita Moitra, successfully ran for two more seasons in 2020 and 2022. The much-anticipated fourth season debuted on Prime Video recently, continuing the stories of its beloved characters.
The ensemble cast also includes notable names like Milind Soman, Lisa Ray, Ankur Rathee, Rajeev Siddhartha, Anasuya Sengupta, and Kunaal Roy Kapur. Prateik, the son of actors Raj Babbar and the late Smita Patil, expressed immense gratitude for the audience's response to his role over the years, acknowledging the "lot of female attention and love from the opposite sex" he received.
An Unexpected Career Opportunity
Interestingly, Prateik's involvement in the web series paved the way for another significant project. His on-screen chemistry and professional rapport with co-star Sayani Gupta led to an unexpected collaboration. "We did a movie because of ‘Four More Shots Please!’. She cast me in our movie, called, ‘Khwaabon Ka Jhamela’," he revealed. This 2024 romantic-comedy film marks a fruitful offshoot of their association from the Prime Video series.
The actor's journey in "Four More Shots Please!" exemplifies how a well-defined character and a strong creative vision can resonate deeply with both the performer and the audience. As fans binge-watch the new season, Prateik Babbar's Damien, styled with a timeless James Dean cool, remains an integral part of the show's vibrant tapestry.
