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Smita Patil’s son Prateik reveals why he didn’t invite father Raj Babbar to his wedding: ‘People don’t know…’
ET Online | February 6, 2026 9:57 PM CST

Synopsis

Actor Prateik Patil and wife Priya addressed backlash over his wedding guest list, with Patil hinting at deeper truths beyond public speculation. The couple found their pre-wedding challenges strengthened their bond, and they shared critical views on the superficiality of many Bollywood marriages, advocating for honesty and commitment.

Prateik Patil got married last year
Actor Prateik Patil, son of the late Smita Patil, found himself at the centre of intense public discussion after his 2025 wedding sparked controversy. The attention arose when it became known that his father, Raj Babbar, along with his half-siblings, were not included in the ceremony. The decision led to widespread speculation and online criticism, with social media users questioning the absence of close family members. In a recent interaction with the media, Prateik and his wife Priya addressed the backlash and reflected on how the scrutiny affected them.

Responding to Trolls and Speculation

During the interview with Miss Malini the couple was asked about the wave of online trolling that followed their wedding decisions. Priya explained that the two of them were too occupied with their personal lives and commitments to pay attention to anonymous criticism. Prateik, however, hinted that the situation involved deeper, more complex realities than what was being discussed publicly. He suggested that while some individuals within the film fraternity were aware of the full context, many others, including the general audience, were not. According to him, the complete truth would eventually surface in some form, whether through storytelling, a written account, a candid conversation, or even a cinematic project.

Strength Tested Before Marriage

Priya reflected on how the controversy and other challenges before their wedding served as unexpected tests of their bond. She shared that these experiences strengthened their partnership rather than weakening it. Instead of reacting with panic or uncertainty, they consistently relied on mutual understanding and support. She described their approach as calm, united, and resilient, emphasizing that facing difficulties together only reinforced their confidence in each other.


A Critical View of Bollywood Marriages

In another discussion, the couple shared their candid opinions on marriage within the film industry. Priya expressed the belief that a large majority of celebrity marriages exist only for appearances rather than genuine commitment, a perspective shaped by her proximity to the industry. Prateik agreed with her assessment, suggesting that such realities are often visible to anyone paying close attention. He further referenced remarks made by well-known celebrities that appear to normalize physical infidelity, interpreting them as signs of a deeply flawed mindset surrounding marital commitment.

Culture, Honesty, and Relationships

Priya, who grew up in Canada and identifies as Canadian, was particularly critical of veteran actors who publicly dismiss the seriousness of fidelity. She argued that such attitudes contradict Indian cultural values, which traditionally place strong emphasis on loyalty and respect within marriage. She stated that if individuals wish to prioritize career ambitions or personal freedom, they should do so honestly without entering marriages built purely for image. In her view, transparency is more respectful than maintaining a public façade.

Redefining What Is Cool

Concluding the conversation, Prateik shared his belief that infidelity and juggling multiple partners no longer hold any appeal. He stated that faithfulness and commitment are far more relevant today, adding that maintaining secret relationships alongside marriage is neither admirable nor desirable in modern times.


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