Prateik Babbar Drops Babbar Surname, Takes Mother Smita Patil’s Name Instead

In a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, veteran actress Smita Patil, actor Prateik Babbar has officially changed his name to Prateik Smita Patil, surprising fans with the announcement. While this move sparked discussions about his father, Raj Babbar’s absence, Prateik and his wife, Priya Banerjee, opted to remain discreet on the subject. Prateik has formally embraced the name Prateik Smita Patil, paying homage to his late mother’s legacy while stepping away from his father’s surname. The newlywed couple chose not to elaborate on the matter, with Priya stating that it was not something they wished to address at this time.

Speaking on the same, Prateik said, "I'm just thinking about what makes me and my soul feel better, and what makes my heart smile, not thinking if it will negatively affect my career. I don't care about the repercussions. 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."

Prateik shared that his aspiration is to walk in his mother’s footsteps rather than his father’s, calling the name change the start of a new chapter in his life. However, the couple suggested that he may choose to address the topic publicly when he feels emotionally prepared. When questioned about the Babbar family's absence, Priya quickly intervened, stating that they would rather not comment on the matter.

She further said, "It's all online. It's all on the internet. 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. We do not want to speak about this and get in detail because we're happy... There is nothing to change. There was never anything there."

Priya Banerjee addressed the remarks implying that Prateik had wronged someone, expressing her confusion over such claims. She clarified that the family in question was never a part of his life. Highlighting that Raj Babbar had no role in Prateik’s upbringing, she questioned why these concerns were surfacing after 30 years. Speaking about his ties with his family, Prateik said that he will comment on it when the time is right. "It's a bit complicated.... It's extremely complicated for the time being and as Priya mentioned, when I am ready to talk about things that I haven't before and that need to be spoken about, it will clear the air, not just for me, but for everybody, even that family," the actor stated.

On February 14, Prateik tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, actress Priya Banerjee, in an intimate ceremony. The couple exchanged vows at the Bandra residence of his late mother, Smita Patil, with close family and friends in attendance.