Prateik Babbarwho has earlier spoken about his battle with drug addiction, recently dismissed long-standing rumours that he began using drugs only after joining the film industry. He reflected on the impact of substance abuse on his personal and professional life, however, he insisted that story has ended now, and they’ve moved forward.
In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, the actor, who is known for his performances in films like Dhobi Ghat and Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, clarified misconceptions, stating, “I just want to say that people think, ‘Oh, he entered films, got fame and money, and then started taking drugs.’ No, that’s not true. My drug use began when I was thirteen years old, even before I turned twelve. Yes, I was terrified. So, it wasn’t because of the film industry. Unfortunately, I had a different kind of upbringing, and my family situation was a bit complicated. That’s why I started using drugs. It’s not that fame and money in films led me to it—I had already started using drugs then.”
Prateik, son of late actress Smita Patil and veteran actor Raj Babbarfurther admitted that the trauma from those early experiences still affects his relationships, adding, “Drugs are associated with trauma, you understand. As long as that trauma isn’t released, it will continue to impact relationships and other areas of life. But there comes a time when you have to work to make things better, which I’ve been doing for many years.”
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Speaking warmly about his fiancee and actress Priya BanerjeePrateik expressed his gratitude for her support in his journey to self-improvement, saying, “My fiancee has been helping me improve in many ways. We’re helping each other grow, though she doesn’t need any improvement—she’s perfect! That’s life, you know; you have to move on.”
Prateik announced his engagement Priya earlier this year. On the work front, Prateik has been keeping busy with multiple upcoming projects, including Salman Khan’s much-awaited film Sikandardirected by AR Murugadoss. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna and Sathyaraj, who played the iconic role of Kattappa in SS Rajamouli's Baahubali franchise. He is currently seen in The Best of Danish Aslam.