Prateik Patil Babbar's Profound Connection to Cannes-Screened 'Manthan'
Prateik Patil Babbar is brimming with emotions as his mother, the legendary actress Smita Patil's 1976 cinematic masterpiece, 'Manthan,' graces the prestigious Cannes Film Festival under the Cannes Classics segment.
In an exclusive interview prior to his departure to France, Babbar expressed his heartfelt sentiments, This is an extraordinary moment for me and my family. It is a testament to my mother's legacy and her profound impact on cinema and beyond. I am filled with immense pride and a deep sense of gratitude for being her son.
The news of 'Manthan's screening reached Babbar a mere couple of days prior to the event, prompting him to swiftly rearrange his professional commitments. His visa miraculously arrived just two days before his scheduled departure.
'Manthan' holds monumental significance as a crowd-funded cinematic endeavor, with five lakh dairy farmers contributing ₹2 each to bring the film to life. Babbar has been privy to this unique backstory since his formative years.
My grandmother and aunt would often recount the captivating tale of 'Manthan's creation. My grandfather, being a farmer himself, instilled in me a profound sense of pride in our lineage. Revisiting my mother's films is a cherished ritual for me, akin to the timeless appeal of 'FRIENDS'—I know every twist and turn, yet I find myself drawn to them time and again, Babbar reminisced fondly.
Reflecting on the remarkable dedication that fueled 'Manthan's production, Babbar pondered its relevance in contemporary times. It's undoubtedly more challenging today, he conceded, but not impossible. We need a compelling story, an extensive reach, and unwavering support to replicate such an endeavor.
Given the international recognition accorded to 'Manthan' at Cannes, the conversation inevitably turned to the recognition of Smita Patil's extraordinary talent within India. Babbar acknowledged a certain disparity, stating, That's the nature of life—we move on. However, moments like these serve as poignant reminders of the extraordinary woman who graced our screens, an actress whose brilliance continues to captivate and inspire.
