Prateik Babbar

If not an actor, you would have been...

Either a musician or a sportsperson.

How do you feel after kicking the butt of your drug habit?

I’m totally determined and inspired to be the best I can.

Between your mother (the late Smita Patil) and father (Raj Babbar), who have you taken after as far as acting skills are concerned.

None. But I have immense respect for them as performers. They were and always will be my superstars!

Who are you closest to?

My family.

The best thing about doing a commercial with MS Dhoni.

I’m a huge cricket fan. I believe the game comes naturally to me. I feel it in my veins. Meeting the most successful captain, and to experience the humbleness of the great man was awesome. He was very supportive and encouraging.

Films or television. What do you enjoy doing more?

Both. It’s the stories and the characters that I love more than the medium.

One movie of your father’s that you really enjoyed.

Prem Geet (1981).

A piece of advice you wish someone had given ten years ago.

Don’t trust so easily.

Do star kids need to put in extra effort to prove themselves?

I believe so. Though other people might think otherwise.

The worst thing about being in Bollywood is...

Nothing. I love it!

A director you would love to work with.

All our supremely talented directors. I’m sure they know who they are.

Among the current crop of young actors, who do you enjoy chilling out with?

I’m friendly with everybody. I’m a friendly guy.

Are you fond of any sport?

I love all of them. Playing a sport comes naturally to me! It’s a very solid relationship!

What’s the craziest thing that a female fan has ever done for you?

One of them wrote me a letter in blood and threatened to kill herself if I didn’t marry her.

Are you on Tinder?

No. I’m not.

What appeals to you more, beauty or brains?

I prefer to have a little bit of both.

If you woke up one day and found you’d turned into a woman...

I would go shopping.

Your all-time favourite dialogue.

My mind.

Workouts.

I’m Batman!

Define your style.

Underground, beach bum, cool, easy, rock ‘n’ roll.

What are you most comfortable in?

Pyjamas.

The gadget you love to fiddle with.

My cellphone.

The craziest thing you have ever done.

I’ve done way too many of those.

Three things you would want if you were stranded on an island.

Water, food and shelter.

The theme song of your life is...

I believe I can fly by R Kelly.

What helps you to stay focused? Your strategy in a crisis.

To be smart and do the right thing.

You destress with... A super power you wish you had.

All of them!

— Interviewed by Veenu Singh