Prateik Smita Patil's painful confession: 'My grandmother died seeing me a drug addict'

Economic Times

08-05-2025

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Actor Prateik Smita Patil recently opened up about the dark chapter of his early years, candidly sharing how his dependence on drugs led to his expulsion from Subhash Ghai 's prestigious acting institute. In a heartfelt interview, the actor reflected on how substance abuse cast a shadow over both his personal relationships and budding career.Prateik, who first appeared on the big screen in 2008 with Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, confessed that he had become what he described as a 'troubled soul' due to his addictions. Today, he carries deep remorse for the choices he made during that turbulent time."I took a series of destructive turns," he admitted. "I don't think I could have behaved differently back then. From an early age, I was grappling with emotional weight. Eventually, I chose to escape through alcohol and drugs. I surrendered to my vulnerabilities. I had my own reasons—complex, layered reasons. It's not as straightforward as it may seem today. But those decisions led to the collapse of everything—from my career path to my personal stability."Raised by his maternal grandparents after losing his mother during childbirth, Prateik described how his addiction hurt not just himself but also those who loved him most. 'In the final years of her life, my grandmother saw the worst version of me,' he shared with visible regret. 'I was deep into substance dependence. She passed away while I was still struggling. That remains one of my biggest regrets. I so badly wish she had lived long enough to witness who I've become now.'He also recounted the specific moment he was asked to leave Whistling Woods International , the film school founded by Subhash Ghai. 'After shooting Jaane Tu, I enrolled at Whistling Woods,' he recalled. 'I dabbled in classes, unsure of what I wanted. I stayed there for almost two years, but then I was expelled for using drugs. Looking back, there's a strange irony to it. I got kicked out of every academic institution I attended. I had become a danger to myself and a disruption to others.'While his journey was filled with painful mistakes, Prateik's story now carries a message of growth and healing. Through painful reflection, he is confronting his past and striving to shape a better future—one not defined by the chaos he once embraced but by the strength he's now building.