More than a year after their wedding drew attention for personal reasons, Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee have once again spoken about the backlash surrounding their decision to not invite Prateik’s father, actor-politician Raj Babbar, to the ceremony.
What happened
In a recent conversation with Miss Malini, the couple addressed the trolling they faced following the wedding. Priya dismissed the criticism, saying they were too busy with their lives to focus on online reactions.
Prateik, however, suggested that the public does not know the full story.
“People don’t know the truth. Some people from the industry know it, some don’t, and the general public doesn’t,” he said, adding, “But one day, everyone will learn the truth — maybe through a story, a book, an interview or even a film.”
Priya shared that the experience only strengthened their bond.
“Life threw a lot of tests at us right before marriage, just to see if we would last. We didn’t panic. We looked at each other and stood together,” she said.
‘Bollywood marriages lack authenticity’
In another interview with Navin Singh Bhardwaj of Team Varinder Chawla, the couple spoke candidly about marriage in the film industry. Priya claimed that many relationships in Bollywood are performative rather than genuine.
“Ninety per cent of Bollywood marriages are a facade, and I say this because I’m on the inside,” she stated.
Prateik agreed, adding simply, “It shows.”
He also referenced comments made by Twinkle Khanna on infidelity, saying such attitudes reveal how casually marriage is treated.
“When married people say ‘raat gayi baat gayi’, you know what the situation is,” he remarked.
Priya expressed disappointment with senior actors who make such statements. Though she grew up in Canada and identifies as Canadian, she said she deeply respects Indian cultural values.
“When people get married just for image, I judge that. Don’t get married. Focus on your career, be honest about relationships,” she said, adding, “Our culture is stronger than Bollywood. Here, people see marriage as a joke.”
Prateik concluded by stating that infidelity is no longer aspirational.
“Cheating and having multiple partners isn’t cool anymore. Having a wife and a girlfriend is not cool,” he said.
The couple is currently promoting their music video Ishq Fakir, even as their candid remarks on family, relationships and industry culture continue to spark discussion.
