Prateik Babbar changes name to Prateik Smita Patil amid family feud

Prateik Babbar has officially changed his name to Prateik Smita Patil, embracing his late mother’s identity amid an ongoing family dispute including father Raj Babbar. The actor emphasised that his decision is driven by a deep emotional connection to his mother, legendary actress Smita Patil.

His wife, Priya Banerjee, defended his choice to remain silent on personal family matters, citing the trauma he endured after losing his mother at a young age.

Speaking to Times of India, she said,”We don’t want to talk about it—it’s not our place. Everything is online, and people can look up the past to understand what happened before making reckless comments. No one has the right to pass judgement. If Prateik and I choose to remain silent, it’s out of respect and dignity. That family was never there for him. That person (referring to Raj Babbar) was never a part of his life. So, I don’t understand why these questions are being raised now, 30 years later.”

Explaining his decision to change his name, Prateik said, “I’m doing what makes my soul feel better and what makes my heart smile. I’m not concerned about how it affects my career. I need to be wholly and solely associated with my mother, her name, and her legacy. No other name should overshadow that. My goal is to be like my mother, not like my father. This feels like a new chapter.”