I’d love to romance on screen: Prateik Babbar

For a star kid (he’s the son of actor Raj Babbar and late Smita Patil), Prateik had a rather unconventional film debut with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

Though he was not the ‘hero’ of the film, Prateik managed to get both — the appreciation and more film offers! Yet, it took the young actor almost two years to make his next big screen outing. And now that he has done that in the recently released Kiran Rao film that also stars Aamir Khan, the actor reveals that he feels that the film’s been worth the wait.

Soaking in praises for his performance once again, Prateik admits that he was initially “quite nervous” about the response he would get. “Personally, the box office stature doesn’t matter to me. What matters is the experience while making the film and working on this one is something I will cherish for life,” he says.

He however adds that professionally, “the number game does matter a lot. If the BO response is not good, then how will I as an actor continue to follow my passion for acting? One hit film does open the doors to many good roles,” he quips.

Unwary of having to share screen space once again with another star, Prateik feels that working with Aamir is like going to an acting school. “No actor can ever complain about having to share screen space with him. And both Kiran and Aamir have the ability to put the film above themselves and look at it in totality. So there was no fear of us getting edited out,” he clarifies.

Incidentally, neither his debut film, nor Kiran’s film and neither does his forthcoming film, Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan sees him romantically paired with any actress. “Yes, I realise that too,” he laughs, adding, “Honestly, I’d love to romance on screen.” And luckily he will be doing just that and very soon. The actor has just signed the dotted line for a South remake of a romantic film. “Finally I will get a girlfriend,” he jokes.

Buzz is that the actor is at present also working towards building a hot-bod. Prateik confirms this, “Hot? No, but yes, I’m working out diligently towards a better physique.”

Even though he’s showered with praises for his performances, there is that one thing that he still misses the most. And it’s hard not to see what he still longs for. “Yes, I do wish Aai (mother) was here to see me today. I’d have loved to get her views on my acting. That’s the only thing that would’ve really mattered to me,” he says.

A quick topic change and we ask him what has sparked his wild-child image? “I’m single, I have fun, but I’ve never crossed my limits and I’m a thorough professional on the sets. If that makes me a wild child, then so be it. I’m happy being the wild-child,” he ends.