Smita Patil, one of Indian cinema’s most iconic and gifted actresses, left an indelible mark on the screen before her untimely death at just 31. Decades later, her passing continues to evoke deep emotion—not just among her admirers but also those who knew her closely. In heartfelt recollections, veteran journalist Bhawana Somaaya and her son, actor Prateik Babbar, reflect on Smita’s final days, her fragile health, and the emotional journey that followed her loss.In a conversation with CNN-News18, the veteran journalist described Smita as a grounded woman—deeply in love and embracing motherhood. She recalled that Smita had always struggled with fragile health and was keen to spend time with her newborn son. Bhawana suggested that Smita may have sensed her declining condition, as her health deteriorated swiftly and unexpectedly in her final days.She further recalled that she was attending a fundraiser when Smita Patil suddenly fell ill. Upon returning home, she received news that Smita had been admitted to the hospital. Before she could reach there, she was informed that Smita had been moved to the ICU and placed on a ventilator, indicating the seriousness of her condition.In a recent interview, Prateik Babbar opened up about the emotional aftermath of his mother Smita Patil’s passing. He revealed that a custody battle followed soon after his birth, with both his father Raj Babbar’s family and his maternal grandparents seeking custody. The court eventually granted custody to his maternal side. He also shared that there was confusion over his surname—his passport initially read ‘Prateik Smit Babbar,’ a misspelling that stayed with him through his early years.Prateik, who now goes by Prateik Smita Patil, initially used the name Prateik Babbar in his early films. Reflecting on his past, he shared that he once struggled with his identity and felt conflicted about carrying either of his parents’ surnames. During a period of emotional turmoil, he chose to go by just ‘Prateik,’ distancing himself from both sides of his family, whom he associated with personal trauma. Over time, however, he came to terms with his past and embraced his full identity, now honoring his late mother by including her name.
