Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 2: In a heartfelt recollection of love, loss, and enduring memories, veteran actor and politician Raj Babbar opened up about the painful days following the untimely demise of legendary actress Smita Patil. The two shared an intense and complex relationship that was often under public scrutiny but remained deeply personal at its core.
Their love story began on the sets of Bheegi Palkein, where Raj, already married to theatre stalwart Nadira Babbar, found himself drawn to Smita's fearless charisma and uncompromising individuality. Smita Patil, known for her stellar performances in Manthan, Arth, and Mirch Masala, brought a rare intensity to the screen and an unwavering commitment to meaningful cinema. Raj, juggling theatre and mainstream cinema, was captivated by her presence.
In 1986, the couple welcomed their son, Prateik. But just days after his birth, tragedy struck. Smita passed away due to post-partum complications, leaving Raj devastated and their newborn son motherless. In a candid interview with Rediff.com, Raj recalled, “She was a great human being. We never had enough time to plan things for our son, Prateik. I wish she were around to see her son growing.”
Describing the moment that changed his life forever, Raj recalled the fateful evening: “I was getting ready for a function when I noticed her shivering. She had a fever, and the doctor advised immediate hospitalisation. While being taken to the hospital, she kept apologising. She looked at me with tears in her eyes, as if trying to say everything without words. An hour later, the doctor told me she had slipped into a coma.”
Though decades have passed, Raj Babbar admits the pain still lingers. “I was part of her, and she was part of me. It is natural to miss someone who was your heart and soul. No matter how strong you pretend to be, memories like hers never fade. They will stay with me till my last day,” he said, his voice weighed down with emotion.
Today, as Prateik Babbar carves his own path in the film industry, Raj believes Smita’s spirit lives on in him — a silent legacy of a bond that, though cut short, continues to echo in memory and love.