In a surprising revelation, actor Prateik Babbar has shared that he was initially approached for the lead role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2007 film Saawariya, a role that ultimately launched Ranbir Kapoor’s career. During a recent interview, Prateik, the son of veteran actor Raj Babbar, recounted how he lost out on the opportunity due to being in a rehab facility at the time.
“I was 18 years old and I was in rehab. He (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) wasn’t aware. He called my landline number. I don’t think he was aware of how old I was either, because I was very young. I came to know a year or two later. My grandfather told me, ‘Sanjay Leela Bhansali ka phone aaya tha lekin aap hospital mein the’,” he revealed.
Prateik, who was raised by his maternal grandparents following the death of his mother at childbirth, only learned about the missed opportunity when his grandfather casually mentioned it much later.
Released in 2007, Saawariya became the launchpad for both Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. While the film introduced them to Bollywood, Prateik would go on to make his own debut a year later in 2008 with Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, a coming-of-age film that earned him critical acclaim and established his presence in the industry.
