He is known to be a shy loner, but Prateik Babbar’s low-profile days seem to be numbered after looking at the rave reviews he is getting for his upcoming film Dhobi Ghat where as the title suggests he plays a dhobi. The limelight isn’t really unwelcome as he confesses, “I am overwhelmed. I don’t know how to respond to this kind of attention I am now getting.”

Another thing he is really enjoying is the chance to work with Aamir Khan. “I always wanted to do a film with him, but even after I signed on the film I wasn’t sure about him being a part of it as he came on board much later.” But once Aamir’s wife and the film’s director Kiran Rao let him be part of the film, he became the rockstar of the set as Prateik gushes, “He was like the guiding factor for all of us. So generous and giving as an actor. The day we started shooting he told me, ‘Be true to yourself and the rest will follow.’ I think I have just done that. I hope I get more opportunities to work with him in the future too. He is simply amazing.”
It was indeed very nice of Aamir to be so good to Prateik, because it was the latter’s role that Aamir wanted in the film. The role in question, that of a washerman, was anything but easy. Apart from working on his language, Prateik says, “For fifteen days I was out there at the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat learning how to wash clothes and starch, dry and and iron them as well. I had to ensure they were crisp and looked brand new. I even had to smoke, drink and be a typical dhobi. Kiran made me go through a decent amount of research and hard work before I started shooting.”
He isn’t complaining about all the dirty laundry Kiran must have sent his way as he says it was amazing working with her. “She had a vision and she stuck to it. She has brought out the best in me. I feel humbled and fortunate that she chose me for the role because later I came to know that Aamir wanted my part. But she believed that only I could do the role.” Prateik feels indebted to Kiran not just for choosing him over her superstar husband, but for giving him a break. “I consider myself lucky that I got a break with her or else I would have still been struggling for a role in the industry. A lot of my friends are still working hard to find a foothold in the industry,” he says.
With his genes (mum is late Smita Patil and dad is Raj Babbar) and connections he has, would he need to struggle for a break? “It has not been all that easy,” he argues adding, “I am still finding my feet in the film industry but I am sure one day I will manage to find my foothold. My dream was to become an actor. I am hungry to do different roles and different genres. I want to reach out to a large audience.”
If he has inherited his mum’s talent, he will definitely make it very big. “I don’t know much about my mother. What I know is what I have heard from my grandparents and aunts. But I can’t complain as they have always been there for me, pampered me and given me lots of love.” He is delighted that his family has loved him in the film as they have already watched it.
What about dad Raj Babbar? While he hasn’t seen the movie yet, Prateik says, “My dad is a rockstar. He has been very supportive.We talk about everything under the sun and discuss my career too. Like Aamir Khan, he too often advises me to be true to myself.” Though they don’t get to meet very often due to busy schedules, they always keep in touch over the phone. “Our relationship has definitely grown and I am sure I will understand him even better as I grow older.”
Prateik is close to half siblings Juhi and Arya Babbar too. “Juhi and Arya have always been there for me. I have considered myself lucky to be showered with so much love and attention.”
He is also being showered with roles as there’s Prakash Jha’s Arakshan which has actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan in it. Then there’s Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s My Friend Pinto, Rohan Sippy’s Dum Maro Dum and UTV Motion Pictures’ Milan Talkies.
Prateik Babbar is living his dream.