In a high-profile wedding that unfolded on February 14, 2025, Bollywood actor Prateik Babbar married his long-time girlfriend Priya Banerjee in Goa, but the celebratory atmosphere has been overshadowed by a family feud that gained significant media attention. The absence of Prateik's father, veteran actor Raj Babbar, as well as his half-siblings, from the wedding did not go unnoticed and has become a subject of public speculation.
Prateik Babbar has officially changed his name to Prateik Smita Patil, embracing his late mother’s legacy and distancing himself from his father’s name. This change has significant roots, as Raj Babbar’s absence has been attributed to a complex family history. Prateik's mother, Smita Patil, tragically passed away shortly after his birth, and he was primarily raised by his grandparents. Prateik has openly stated that he wishes to forge his identity around his mother, declaring, "All I care about is the way I feel when I hear that name. I need to be wholly and solely associated with my mother (Smita Patil), her name and her legacy. I don't think any other name needs to taint that legacy, if you understand what I mean. I'm striving to be like my mother and not like my dad. It feels like a new chapter."
This public declaration marks a clear break from his father, with whom he has had a complicated relationship due to family dynamics and past grievances. Following the wedding, Priya Banerjee spoke to the media, emphasizing that there had been never any involvement or presence of Raj Babbar in Prateik’s life. She stated, "We were unfazed. My family was here... So, whatever happened, we honestly don’t have any comments because it didn’t matter."
The fallout from Prateik's decision has stirred mixed reactions. His brother, Arya Babbar, voiced disappointment at their father not being invited to the ceremony. Arya expressed his confusion over Prateik's choice, indicating that the family shared a strong bond he believed was unbreakable. Raj Babbar himself responded to the media frenzy about his exclusion by providing some comic relief, stating, "Tell them, mard toh shaadi karte rehte hain (men keep getting married)." This remark, while lighthearted, underscores the tension surrounding his family’s dynamics.
Sister Juuhi Babbar suggested that Prateik is influenced by those around him, reflecting a concern that external factors have led to the estrangement from his family. "He (Prateik) is surrounded by people who are influencing him," she mentioned, expressing a desire to keep the family bonds intact. Despite this criticism, Priya defended their stance, asserting that it was inappropriate for outsiders to comment on their family matters. "There was never anything there. So, I'm confused when people comment, ‘You did this to somebody’. But no, that family was never there, that person (referring to Raj Babbar) was never there in his life. So, I’m not sure why that question is coming up now, 30 years later," said Priya.
Complicating the family dynamic further, Prateik has previously spoken about his experiences with drug abuse, which he claims were a result of his tumultuous upbringing and complex relationships within the family. He acknowledges these experiences have deeply impacted his identity, guiding his need to reconnect with his mother's name and legacy.
With the backdrop of a Hollywood-esque family drama, Prateik and Priya have focused on celebrating their union, surrounded by close friends, rather than dwelling on familial disputes. Priya highlighted their decision to keep personal matters out of the public eye, stating, "Let people go back in the past and read some articles, perhaps from back in the day and find out what went down in anybody's life before passing a reckless comment which can affect somebody's special day. Nobody has any right to say anything about it. If Prateik chooses to stay quiet, if I choose to stay quiet, that is actually out of respect and dignity. That's it."
As they navigate their future together, Prateik and Priya remain committed to their relationship while handling the complexities of family relations with grace. The couple aims to create their own path, undeterred by the shadows cast by their pasts. Prateik plans to embrace the legacy of his mother as he embarks on this new chapter in his life, with the full support of his wife.
