Prateik Babbar to debut at Cannes representing his mother and legendary actress Smita Patil!

“It’s an extremely symbolic moment for me as her son who always knew her as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema,” says, #PrateikBabbar on representing his mother and legendary actress #SmitaPatil at #CannesDebut!*

Actor Prateik Babbar is preparing for a significant moment as he gears up for his debut at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival. This moment holds deep emotional resonance for him, as it marks a tribute to his late mother, the legendary actress Smita Patil. The film *Manthan* (1976), in which Smita Patil starred, will be showcased in the Cannes Classics segment, bringing her enduring legacy back into the global spotlight.

Talking about representing his mother and legendary veteran actress for this historic moment, Prateik in a conversation with Pinkvilla shared, “I’m beaming with immense pride, It also happens to be my first time at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. It’s an extremely symbolic moment for me as her son who always knew her as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema and this iconic moment solidifies her legacy as one of the greatest ever to do it.”

Babbar is immensely proud that Smita Patil’s legacy endures, evidenced by the forthcoming 48th-year celebration of “Manthan” at a prestigious platform.

Speaking further about it Prateik revealed that his mother’s work and legacy have been a huge driving force in his acting career. He shared, “The fact that she’s been consistently celebrated after her demise, I know that I have humongous shoes to fill but I embrace her legacy and wear it like a badge of honor. This historic moment at Cannes gives me hope and reason to continue on my path in the pursuit of greatness and hopefully one day I’ll be attending the festival with my own film.”

*Manthan*, directed by Shyam Benegal, is not just a cinematic masterpiece but also a landmark in Indian cinema. It holds the distinction of being India’s first crowdfunded film, showcasing a unique collaboration between the film industry and grassroots supporters. Over 500,000 farmers from Gujarat contributed to the film’s funding, each donating Rs. 2, demonstrating the power of collective effort and community spirit in bringing this significant film to life.

Prateik’s presence at the Cannes screening of “Manthan” holds profound personal significance. Renowned for her compelling portrayals and nuanced characterizations, Smita Patil’s enduring influence continues to captivate both viewers and fellow actors. His participation at Cannes represents a pivotal moment in his career, reflecting his dedication to upholding his mother’s legacy while forging his unique journey in the world of cinema.