“In the excitement of becoming an actor, I became a little overconfident,” says Prateik Babbar, reflecting on his first few years in the film industry. The actor who disappeared for three years after his last release Issaq bombed at the box-office, admitted in an interview with an entertainment daily about his battle with substance abuse and his failed relationships.
Now, Babbar feels that he’s “over it” and is excited about his renewed “drive and hunger” to be a good actor. “Earlier, I lacked the motivation to go out of my way for a performance. Five years ago, if I was given a scene to perform, I would memorise my lines, go to the set and act it out. Now, when I get the script, I try to think of 10 different ways to enact the scene.”
Across all mediums
Babbar is well aware that “breaking into feature films” now will be difficult for him. But he is prepared to wait and experiment with other mediums till the right offer comes along. In the last few months, he’s shot a commercial with cricketer M.S. Dhoni, starred in Aatish Dabral’s The Guitar and his crossover indie film, Amerika , — which was well-received in the festival circuit — is slated for a theatrical release in India later in the year.
Off late, the 30-year-old actor has been busy with his play, Six, based on L.B Hamilton’s A Midnight Clear . The plot revolves around two former gay lovers who meet a year after one is brutally attacked and raped. “During an evening, they rediscover their profound love for each another and why they tragically can never be together. It was a difficult and challenging role to portray,” he says, adding that the play received much appreciation when it was performed last year. For Babbar, the gratifying feeling, as an actor, is when his work is appreciated. “On stage, there are no second chances or second takes. With that one take, you are required to be completely present and aware of your job and of your audience.”
The actor is busy rehearsing for an upcoming show of the play which introduces a new character. “One of them has this special friend and the play becomes about how he changes the dynamics between the other two lead actors.”
Facing rejection
For someone who received attention and awards despite being in the supporting cast of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa (2008), facing rejections wasn’t easy. While Dhobhi Ghat (2011) and Dum Maaro Dum (2011) fared decently at the box office, his career nosedived with Ekk Deewana Tha (2012). “I didn’t get any help from the industry. If I were staying with my father, he would have nurtured me through the whole process. I took a couple of wrong decisions on my own.”
Babbar says that the film industry is unpredictable and beautiful at the same time. “After what I have been through, I am not scared of rejection or being called names. What drives me every day is the passion.” This newfound Zen has made him appreciate the second chance in the entertainment industry. “I will do a show for even for just five people as it will help me grow as an actor. It is about being a performer who craves approval of the audience,” says Babbar revealing that while the recognition in films may be much more than what a play or web series will draw but for him it is now about “just working every day”. “Every actor looks for reassurance from the audience whether he is a new comer or an established actor,” says Babbar.
Entertainer forever
Babbar was working with Prahlad Kakkar’s production house Genesis when he auditioned for Jaane Tu … While shooting, he realised that he liked the idea of being on the sets and decided to pursue acting as a career. “I never planned to be an actor initially. I wanted to be a cricketer, a musician because I always knew that acting is something I can always sink my feet into because of my parents. But I was always an entertainer and a class clown.” Babbar did try his hand at situational comedy with My Friend Pinto (2011) but says, “It went haywire,” blaming it on immaturity.
When his father Raj Babbar found out about his debut film, he “lost his marbles”. “My father wanted me to wait, but I didn’t want any of it. I was pushing everyone away. Now, his advice is very valuable to me. My parents are my guardian angels, even when they weren’t around,” says Babbar.
He reveals that his favourite film is his parents’ Waaris (1988), which he has seen innumerable times. “My mother was pregnant with me when she acted in this film.”
