Prateik Babbar
Prateik Babbar recently felt proud while attending the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. He was there for the screening of his late mother Smita Patil's 1976 classic film, 'Manthan'.
In a recent interview with India Today, Prateik mentioned that Smita, although not a trained actor, had worked on this film directed by Shyam Benegal.
Prateik Babbar inspired by mom Smita Patil at 2024 Cannes Film Festival
Prateik Babbar while beaming about Manthan being shown for the very first Cannes Classic Section, said, "It was an extremely proud moment for me as her son. Being celebrated 37 years after her death at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival was a historic event for Indian cinema and the entire team of Manthan. I was overwhelmed. Watching her on-screen at Cannes solidified her legacy and body of work for me. She is undeniably one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema... one of the greatest to ever do it. Period."
"Everybody was in absolute awe of her brilliant and mature performance. She (Smita Patil) was all of 20 years old and untrained as an actor when she shot the film. This just proves that she was born to be one of the greatest actors to ever do it. I have humongous shoes to fill, but I embrace it all and will never stop striving to be just like her. This moment will remain one of the most symbolic and iconic for me as her son... of her legacy, of our legacy, and on my journey in pursuit of greatness." He further stated.
Prateik Babbar on Manthan
In a tete-a-tete with IANS, Prateik, who legally added his mother's last name earlier this year, said: "I am filled with immense pride as my mother's 1976 film âManthan' has been restored and will premiere in the Cannes Classics section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
"I have the honour of representing my late mother at this historic event, which also marks my debut at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival. This moment is deeply close for me as her son, having always regarded her as one of the greatest actresses in Indian cinema history," said the actor.
About Smita Patil's Manthan
"Manthan", which won a National Award for Best Feature Film in 1977, was inspired by the pioneering milk cooperative movement of Verghese Kurien. The film, which was entirely crowdfunded by 5,00,000 farmers who donated Rs 2 each, is based on the White Revolution in the country.
