Prateik Babbar: I am thick-skinned now

Prateik Babbar, who has been in news again for his comeback, talks about his recent film 'Umrika,' his stay in

Bollywood

and 2017.


Your recent film 'Umrika' did exceptionally well. Having been screened at the Sundance film festival and other prestigious film festivals. Tell us something about it?
It is a very prestigious film for me. We were fighting for the film to be released for over 2 years. It released globally in 2016 and premiered at the Sundance film festival in January 2015. We totally won the audience over. It literally snowballed from there and we won every film festival all across the world, Kyro, Palm Springs you name it and we won. We finally entered India a year and a half later on 23rd September, 2016. It was a light release though people can watch it on

Netflix

now. Umrika was one of the most wonderful collaborations I had the privilege of being a part of. There were actors from all over the world, Hollywood and Indian actors. It was a pleasure working with Peta Korner who works in Hollywood, Prashant Nair again Indian but lives in France and Germany and

Swati Shetty

. The entire cast and crew are very special to me. We made a film that is very close to my heart. And it's a project that I will never forget. This and Jaane tu ya Jaane Na are my most precious films.

Your performance was well applauded. How did you react?
Yes, the film has done very well. It has been received well not only in India but on a global scale. It has been one of my most special films and I am glad I got the opportunity to work with such lovely people.

You will be starring in a Bengali film which is slated to be screened at the Madrid film festival, USA, Australia and Germany. Tell us something about it?
Yes, I am very excited about the film. A very sweet plot, the story is about a young spoilt student who is the son of a very corrupt politician. He has grown up in a corrupt obnoxious environment. Due to his father's influence he can get out of trouble as and when he pleases. A new teacher comes into his school to teach him. Initially he makes fun of her, disregards and disrespects her but this lady has a big impact on him and he falls in love with her which transforms his life forever. He puts an end to the high life and all his indiscretions only to find out that the teacher is in love with someone else. The transition of his character from being this obnoxious brat, being in love, unrequited love and sacrificing his love for her has been beautifully portrayed. He goes out of his way to find the man of his teacher's dreams. It's a case of cross border love wherein the teacher is a Muslim while her ex-lover is a Hindu boy. This film is a sensitive intense drama, something that I am very proud of.. My parents have done Bengali films but this is the first Bengali film that I have been a part of. I hope it does well and I also hope it is received well by the audience. Again this was the time when I was not getting much work and I was undergoing a rough patch personally, professionally and emotionally. But Umrika happened along with this film and I am glad that it did. Though Umrika has been far more special to me than even this movie. In fact I would pit Umrika and Dhobhi Ghaat above any Bollywood film that I have done or will do in the near future. Inshallah If things work out I will continue doing regional cinema. I hope we release soon..

How do you see yourself after spending few years in Bollywood?
I have a great understanding of the industry now. Its ruthless, talent does not matter here. It's all about being seen with the right people and creating a network, building relationships. People need to like you.. It does not matter if you are the best looking

actor

in the world. It make me sad but you have to take these things in your stride. You've got to do what you want to do. But yes I am in a much better place now. I've had my ups and downs. I feel evolved and ready to take on the world!

Are you a romantic person?
Absolutely.. I was but now I have chosen to stay clear of this path. Maybe for a film I would be the most romantic person on the face of this planet but not in my personal life. I'd rather be romantically involved with my work.

How do you think Bollywood has accepted you? Anything that has hurt you about the industry or anything that has made a difference in your life?
A lot of things have hurt me about the industry. I don't want to be very vocal about this but it's an everyday fight with Bollywood. It's like a love hate relationship. Sure, all the pin pointing, the judgments and taking advantage of has made me a stronger person. I am thick-skinned now. Many things have hurt me, that's all I can say.. It's a part and parcel of life. I have made my mistakes. Maybe the people that wronged me led me to those mistakes. But yes I want to make a mark here. I want to work with people. I need to be in the game like everyone else. I am not that guy any more who has done films after films. I come from a different place now. My story is way different.

What does 2017 look like for you?Bright inshallah and with a lot of opportunities. Another year where you have to get out there and fight for your place in this world! I am ready to take on the world with my boxing gloves on! I've got my gloves on and my dillion dollar smile and I am saying ' '2017 are you read for me'!