By Prateik Babbar, now known as Prateik Smita Patil, recently tied the knot with Priya Banerjee in an intimate ceremony in Goa. The couple’s wedding made headlines, not just for its simplicity, but also for the controversy surrounding it. Prateik’s decision to drop ‘Babbar’ from his name and not invite his father, veteran actor-politician Raj Babbar, stirred public debate. In a recent interview, Prateik explained his emotional reasoning behind the choices, stating he wishes to honor his late mother, Smita Patil, whose legacy he holds close to his heart.
Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee’s Wedding: An Intimate Affair in Goa
Prateik Smita Patil and actress Priya Banerjee got married on February 14, 2025, in a private ceremony in Goa. The wedding was an intimate affair, attended only by close family and friends, including Prateik’s maternal aunts and Priya’s family from Canada.
The couple deliberately chose to keep the guest list small and meaningful. However, the absence of Prateik’s father, Raj Babbar, and his half-siblings, Aarya Babbar and Juhi Babbar, caught the public’s attention. This decision reportedly sparked a family rift, with Aarya Babbar publicly expressing his displeasure over the snub.
Why Was Raj Babbar Not Invited?
In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, Prateik opened up about his decision to exclude his father from the wedding. He revealed that it was a conscious choice, as he has always felt closer to his late mother’s side of the family.
“My aunts raised me after my mother passed away. They have been my support system. My grandparents and my aunts shaped my life. That’s why they were there at my wedding,” he shared.
Priya Banerjee supported her husband’s stance, stating that they were “unfazed” by the noise surrounding the guest list. “We had everyone we loved by our side. My family flew down from Canada. We had our closest friends. That’s all that mattered,” she said.
Prateik Drops ‘Babbar’ from His Surname to Honor His Mother
A significant revelation during the wedding was Prateik’s decision to change his name. He now goes by Prateik Smita Patil, replacing his father’s surname with his mother’s.
Smita Patil, a legendary actress of Indian cinema, tragically passed away shortly after giving birth to Prateik in 1986. Her untimely death left a profound impact on her son. Prateik shared that he has always idolized his mother and wanted to keep her legacy alive.
“I have always felt a deeper connection to my mother. She gave me life. I want to carry her name forward with pride,” he stated.
Family Backlash and Public Reaction
While Prateik’s name change and wedding decisions were personal choices, they triggered mixed reactions from the public and his family. His step-brother, Aarya Babbar, reportedly expressed displeasure over the snub. Aarya was vocal about feeling hurt by the exclusion of their father and family from the ceremony.
Fans and social media users, however, were divided. While some criticized Prateik for alienating his father, others supported his decision, highlighting that it was his right to choose his family.
Prateik and Priya: Moving Past the Controversy
Despite the backlash, the newlyweds seem to be unaffected by the criticism. Prateik and Priya shared glimpses of their wedding on social media, with heartwarming captions and pictures capturing their happiness.
The couple plans to continue focusing on their careers and personal growth. Priya, who recently appeared in OTT projects, expressed her excitement for her future roles. Prateik, known for his performances in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Four More Shots Please!, has upcoming film projects in the pipeline.
Prateik Smita Patil’s bold choices—dropping his father’s surname and not inviting him to his wedding—have certainly made headlines. However, his decision is a deeply personal one, driven by his emotional connection to his late mother. The actor remains steadfast in his desire to honor Smita Patil’s legacy, despite the family and public reactions.
