Farhan Akhtar could have been Prateik Smita Patil's stepbrother: Actor reveals unknown secret about Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar

Actor Prateik Smita Patil recently opened up about a revelation that has added a new layer of complexity to his already emotionally charged life story. Prateik, the son of late actress Smita Patil and actor-politician Raj Babbar, disclosed that he only recently learned about veteran artists Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar’s intent to adopt him following his mother's death.

“I recently found out Shabana ji and Javed sahab wanted to adopt me after my mother passed away. It was kind of complicated. I could’ve been Farhan’s (Akhtar) stepbrother (laughs). I find these new things about me all the time. Aur kya hai, batao. It’s also very overwhelming. Ye hota toh main pata nahi kaisi zindagi jee raha hota,” he said in the interview with Zoom.

Smita Patil passed away shortly after giving birth to Prateik in 1986, leaving the newborn in the care of her parents. Until recently, Prateik was unaware of how close he had come to being raised in the Azmi-Akhtar household. The late actress had deep personal and professional relationships with many members of the film fraternity, including Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar, who had considered taking him in as their own child.

A Childhood Marked by Custody Battles
Following his mother's untimely death, Prateik’s infancy was overshadowed by a custody battle. Recalling those difficult early days, he said, “There are many things I hear about myself as a child. There was a custody fight for me in my childhood. I was so little, just crying, I had no idea what was happening to me. People wanted to adopt me.” The actor admitted that he continues to discover new details about his early life, many of which are disturbing and emotional.

Industry Veterans Who Stepped In
Despite his personal struggles, Prateik expressed deep gratitude toward the people in his mother’s life who extended their care and protection to him. During the same interview, he acknowledged the unwavering support he received from several of Smita Patil’s contemporaries in the film industry. “I’m very grateful for all the love she gets, and all the goodwill she has in the industry, among all her colleagues and friends. Shabana ji was definitely one of them, along with Javed sahab. Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan) has always been very kind and supportive. I think everybody from her time, everybody she shared upon with, Naseer sahab (Naseeruddin Shah), Ratna (Pathak Shah) ji, the late great Shyam Benegal, obviously. That was a different era. I recently found out about myself, I was conceived on the sets of Mirch Masala (1987),” he shared.

These figures played a crucial role in offering him a sense of belonging and support during his most vulnerable years. His acknowledgment of their presence reflects the emotional weight he carries when recalling his mother’s legacy and the community that cherished her.

Complicated Relationship With Father
Prateik’s revelation comes shortly after his wedding to longtime partner Priya Banerjee on February 14, 2025. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony held at Smita Patil’s residence. However, the wedding drew public attention not just for the venue but also for who wasn’t invited—his father Raj Babbar and his step-siblings.

The actor has been open about his distant relationship with his father. He stated that following the fallout between Raj Babbar’s wife Nadira and his late mother, it didn’t feel appropriate to include them in a ceremony held at Smita’s house. However, he also clarified that he was willing to host a separate function for them if needed.

At 38, Prateik continues to piece together the story of his early life—an experience filled with both sorrow and strength. His reflections reveal a man still processing the emotional remnants of his past, while also embracing the care extended to him by his late mother’s close friends.

Despite the complexities of his childhood and family dynamics, Prateik has carved a space for himself in the film industry. From his debut in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na to performances in Mulk, Four More Shots Please, and Mumbai Diaries, he continues to carry forward the legacy of a mother he never truly got to know.