‘I guess I’m a bit laidback’

As the introvert brother of Genelia D'Souza, in his debut film Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na, Prateik Babbar sure made a mark, proving wrong all those who had criticised his choice of role . The actor has subsequently bagged a lead role in Kiran Rao's filmDhobi Ghat and also one in Madhur Bhandarkar's Jail. TOI speaks to the youngactor about how he is planning his career moves, what he thinks of his peers andthe people he would like to workwith.In an era when young actors make a big fuss about theirdebut film, Prateik Babbar did the unthinkable. He agreed to do an understatedcameo. Ask him if he gave it any thought or was it just a gut feeling and hesays happily, "It was my gut feeling and it sure worked. I enjoyeddoing the role. I guess I'm a bit laidback in my approach, but my intuitions arewell in place." Speaking about his latest film as a lead actor he says, "I wascalled for an audition for the film being made by Kiran Rao. She approved of itand that's how I got the role." About his choice of films Prateik says, "I aminterested in doing anything that makes for a good watch. I agree to do a filmif I like the subject." And is he getting the type of roles that he would liketo do? "I'm happy with the films that are coming my way. I also understand thatit is a lot of sweat out here."Prateikhas peers like Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan and Neil Nitin Mukesh, all actors withchocolate boy looks. Quizz him on the importance of good looks and the actor,who doesn't seem too bothered about his appearance, says, "Maybe they areimportant, or yes in a visual medium they are important. But it's not only aboutlooks. Communication with the audience is more important. If an actor canemotionally bond with the viewer, then it does not matter if he is handsome orordinary looking," says the son of veteran actress Smita Patil. Ask him how heconnects with the industry, which showed such affection and respect towards hismother and also treats him so well, and the young actor says, "I'm just normalabout it all. I do enjoy a lot of good will in the industry and feel veryfortunate about it. The people here still don't know me, but they talk about mymother and this gives me a lot of insight about her as anartist."His mother was an actress par excellence and his father RajBabbar has delivered quite a few hits. So, does Prateik feel he is a naturalactor or does he need to hone his skills? "I always wanted to goabroad to do graduation in acting. But that did not come about. Maybe sometimelater I would be able to fulfill this desire. Yes, I do watch a lot of my mom'sfilms and try to learn acting from her perspective. I am also very fortunatethat my stepmom, Nadira Babbar, is a theatre personality and I can dabble inthat too anytime I so wish to." Ask the young lad if he would be comfortablewith the song and dance sequences, and he is quick to retort, "Who doesn't likedancing, I love to dance and today in films it's a lot about dancing. I alsoenjoy music, in fact whatever has a rhythm and is creative, I enjoy. I alsopaint once in a while when I am in the mood to doso."The young actor says that he looks up to everybody in theindustry as he realises the kind of hardwork everybody puts in here. If he wereto list his favourites who would they be? "I would love to have Preity Zinta asmy co-star, and of course Genelia too. And the director I fancy the most at themoment is Farhan Akhtar, and would also like to work with Abhishek Kapoor andImtiaz Ali, " he says.