When Shabana Azmi revealed she had 'professional differences' with Smita Patil but was 'destined' to work with her son Prateik Smita Patil: 'The resemblance is eerie'

In the golden era of Indian parallel cinema, Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil were often seen as two sides of the same coin. Both were known for their strong, powerful roles in meaningful films that moved away from mainstream Bollywood glitz. At the same time they were both known as fierce competitors. Decades later, that past found a new meaning as Shabana Azmi stars alongside Smita’s son, Prateik Babbar, in the upcoming film 'Imaginary Rain'.

‘We Were Twins’: Shabana on her equation with Smita Patil
While the Shabana-Smita rivalry made headlines back in the day, Azmi herself has opened up about how much of that was real and how much was media drama. Back in 2023 she told Etimes, “Smita and I had our professional differences. But under the fierce rivalry, no doubt played up in the media, she and I were twins. Even the bathroom slippers that we wore were identical.”

‘It Was Destined To Be’: On working with Prateik
Shabana Azmi is now working with Smita Patil’s son, Prateik Smita Patil , for the first time in 'Imaginary Rain', and she described it as something that was meant to happen.

“It was destined to be. Smita and I had our professional differences. But under the fierce rivalry, no doubt played up in the media, she and I were twins. Even the bathroom slippers that we wore were identical,” she said, repeating what feels like a thought close to her heart.

For Shabana, the connection with Prateik is more than just professional. “I’ve always felt very protective towards him. This was bound to happen. We were destined to work together. I am glad the suitable script has finally shown up.”

The film is directed by celebrity chef and author Vikas Khanna and is based on his own novel. Shabana plays a chef in the film – a role that excites her deeply. “Vikas Khanna is a dear friend and to play a chef is a dream come true for me. I can only get to be a good cook on screen.”

‘The resemblance is eerie’: Seeing Smita in Prateik
What makes this film even more emotional for Shabana is how much Prateik reminds her of his late mother. “Prateik is a spitting image of his mother. The resemblance is eerie. I was swept back in time.”

'Imaginary Rain'
The poster of 'Imaginary Rain' was released earlier in March 2025, set around the life of a chef, the film explores themes of identity, roots and healing – making it a deeply emotional project for both actors and the filmmaker.
Video