Prateik Babbar has made a significant choice in redefining his identity, embracing his late mother’s name and legacy. He now goes by Prateik Smita Patil, a change that reflects his deep emotional connection to his mother, legendary actor Smita Patil. In an interview with Filmfare, he shared his thoughts on this decision, saying, “Prateik Smita Patil is a powerful name, and Smita Patil has a powerful legacy. I am merely just embracing her power. I am the son of the late great legend Smita Patil.” His choice signifies more than just a name change—it is a statement of self-acceptance and an effort to align himself with his mother’s towering legacy.
The decision comes at a time of personal joy for him. He recently married actor Priya Banerjee in an intimate ceremony held at Smita Patil’s home on February 14, 2025. The absence of his father, Raj Babbar, and his half-siblings from the wedding raised questions about family estrangement. Priya addressed these speculations in an interview, making it clear that the bond had never existed. “There is nothing to change. 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 was never there in his life. So, I’m not sure why that question is coming up now, 30 years later.”
She further elaborated on the emotional impact of Prateik’s childhood, stating, “It is somebody’s life we’re talking about. Somebody went through something for 30 years. Not a lot of people would understand what a kid goes through when they lose their mom at first, right?” Her words highlight the emotional depth of Prateik’s journey and his attempts to find belonging in his mother’s name rather than his father’s.
Despite the public announcement of his name change, his social media still carries his previous surname. On Instagram, he remains Prateik Patil Babbar, leaving some wondering if this shift is more of a personal rather than a legal transformation.
His move to honour his mother raises broader questions about identity and emotional healing. Changing one’s surname to reflect a parent’s legacy can have a deep psychological impact, offering a sense of connection and belonging. Bhakti Joshi, a counselling psychologist and trauma-focused therapist, explains that such a decision can serve as a powerful tool for emotional healing. “Changing one’s surname to honour a late parent can provide a deep sense of belonging, serving as a way to preserve their legacy and maintain a connection to them. It can help fill the emotional gap left by their absence, offering comfort and continuity.” She also acknowledges that such changes may reflect deeper family tensions. “At the same time, it may also reflect the complexities of family relationships, as individuals may embrace one lineage while distancing themselves from others due to past disappointments or emotional upheavals.”
Prateik’s decision is not entirely surprising given his history. He has spoken openly about the struggles of growing up without his mother and his complicated relationship with his father. Smita Patil, who passed away due to childbirth complications when Prateik was just a few days old, remains a significant presence in his life. In past interviews, he has mentioned how he pieced together an understanding of her through stories and archival footage.
His personal and professional choices seem to align with his desire to build a life that honours his mother’s influence. His recent marriage to Priya Banerjee further cements this, as the couple chose to wed in Smita Patil’s home rather than a conventional venue. It was a symbolic gesture, reinforcing the idea that Prateik finds his true family in his mother’s memory rather than in traditional family ties.
The conversation around his decision to change his name has sparked debates about personal identity, familial bonds, and the weight of legacy. For Prateik, however, it is simply about what feels right. “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,” he said.
As he moves forward with his new identity, Prateik Smita Patil’s journey remains one of self-discovery and emotional reclamation. His story highlights the importance of personal choice in shaping identity, proving that sometimes, a name carries more than just letters—it carries an entire legacy.
Prateik’s transformation extends beyond just a name. Over the years, he has publicly acknowledged his struggles with substance abuse and mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-recovery and personal growth. His decision to adopt his mother’s name seems to be a continuation of that journey, a way of reclaiming his sense of self after years of internal battles. By embracing Smita Patil’s legacy, he is not just paying tribute to her but also carving out a new path for himself—one that aligns with his own beliefs and values.
His relationship with his father, Raj Babbar, has always been a subject of curiosity. While Prateik has occasionally mentioned him in interviews, it has never been with the warmth typically associated with a father-son bond. His decision to drop the Babbar surname is the strongest indication yet that he no longer wishes to be identified by that lineage. It also reflects a broader issue faced by many children of estranged parents—the need to define their identity on their own terms.
For Priya Banerjee, standing by Prateik in this journey is a testament to their deep understanding as a couple. By openly addressing the lack of a relationship between Prateik and his father’s side of the family, she has made it clear that this is not about resentment but about truth. Her words underline the emotional weight of growing up without a parent’s support and how it shapes an individual’s choices.
Despite the mixed reactions from the public, Prateik appears at peace with his decision. Those who have followed his career know that he has always been vocal about his admiration for his mother and the void left by her absence. Changing his name is perhaps the most personal way of ensuring that her legacy remains alive in the present. As he continues his journey in both personal and professional spheres, Prateik Smita Patil stands as a name that signifies more than just lineage—it is a declaration of belonging, self-respect, and the enduring power of a mother’s influence.
