Actors Raj Babbar and Smita Patil’s love story was far from straightforward. It was an emotional maze, filled with intense feelings, unspoken concerns, and moments of tender togetherness. Their relationship began on the sets of ‘Bheegi Palkein,’ where Raj, already married to theater actor Nadira Babbar, found himself drawn to Smita’s fearless nature and striking individuality. Their bond quickly became the talk of the industry. Smita was known for her powerful performances in films like ‘Manthan,’ ‘Arth,’ and ‘Mirch Masala,’ and her deep-rooted commitment to meaningful cinema. Meanwhile, Raj balanced his theater career with major films and was seen as someone who lived life passionately. Together, they shared an intense, complicated, yet beautifully human connection. ‘I wish she were around to see her son growing up.’ In 1986, Raj and Smita welcomed their son, Prateik. For a time, it seemed like their family was finally taking shape. But life had other plans. Just days after Prateik’s birth, Smita passed away due to postpartum complications. Raj once opened up about this painful time while speaking to Rediff.com. Looking back on their short time as parents, he shared, “She was a great human being. We never had enough time to plan things for our son Prateik. I think he’ll be doing films soon. He’s already getting calls from several producers and directors. I gave him a free hand to do that. I wish she was around as her son grew up.” A night that changed everything Raj also remembered the night everything turned upside down. He said, “The most painful moments in life are the unexpected ones. One evening, when I was getting ready for a function, I saw her shaking. I touched her and discovered she had a fever. I called the doctor, and he told me she needed immediate hospitalization. I took her to the hospital, and she was being moved to the intensive care unit.” It all happened so suddenly: “Throughout the journey from home to hospital, she kept apologizing, and I told her everything would be fine. She looked at me with tears in her eyes. Her look said it all. The doctor came out an hour later and said she had fallen into a coma.” Memories that never fade Although the years have passed, Raj has never forgotten Smita. In fact, her memories still live within him every day. He spoke from the heart when he said, “I was a part of her and she was a part of me. It’s natural to miss a person who was your heart and soul throughout your life, no matter how brave you say it. She and her memories will continue to be a part of me until my last day.”
