Prateik: Amy Jackson is a part of my life

He may have proved his mettle with films like Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na and Dhobi Ghat but Prateik is yet to deliver a solo hit.

The actor and his co-star in his latest film Ekk Deewana Tha, Amy Jackson, have been spotted together quite often, raising speculation about a romantic relationship.

A reclusive actor, Prateik opens up to Sonil Dedhia about Amy and explains why she is more than just a co-star.

He also talks about his mother, the late celebrated actress Smita Patil, and why he is eagerly waiting for his father Raj Babbar's book on her.

You have become a busy actor. Last year you had four releases (Dhobi Ghat, Dum Maaro Dum, Aarakshan and My Friend Pinto).

Yes, it was unintentional, but it fell into place like that. Some of my films were worth it and some were not. Like every actor, I had my share of ups and downs but I took it in my stride and tried to learn from it.

Are you saying that you regret doing some of these films?

No, I don't regret any of the films that I did. I was disappointed with My Friend Pinto. Everyone put a lot of effort into it but the final product was something no one was ready for. The story was altered and a lot of scenes were edited. I got a lot of flak for my performance.

How has life changed after you entered the film industry?

Most of my personal life has disappeared. The only good thing is that there is a routine that I follow almost every day. I work out regularly and I am busy with my acting. It's a little hectic but I can't complain.

Your co-star in Ekk Deewana Tha, Amy Jackson, is making her Bollywood debut. What was it like working with her?

Amy is the sweetest girl I know. She is just amazing as an actress. She is good with her instincts and her emotions. The only drawback is that she cannot speak Hindi, which she is working on. She has the determination to learn new things. She puts in a lot of effort and is here to make a mark.

On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate her performance in the film?

I'll be a little biased as she is someone I am really close to, so it will be a 10 on 10 (smiles).

In the film, your character has a secret crush on Amy's character. Is it the same in real life too?

No. Amy knows that I have a crush on her in real life (smiles). She is someone I like to spend time with and she is an amazing human being. I am happy she is a part of my life.

Your relationship with Amy has been more in the news than the film has. Does that affect you?

No, it's a part and parcel of the industry to get linked up with your co-stars especially when you are working in a romantic film.

Ekk Deewana Tha is a romantic film so there had to be a bond that Amy and I had to form to create that chemistry on-screen. I am glad that people like us together.          

People say it's a marketing gimmick to promote the film...

No, it's not a marketing gimmick. As I said earlier, the movie is based on a romantic subject and we have been working together on the film for almost six months now, so we have become really close to each other.

How would you describe your relationship with her?

We are extremely close and extremely fond of each other. We are supportive of each other. I am here for her whenever she needs me. She is very close to my heart.

Are you in a live-in relationship? 

Well, it's fun and it makes me feel nice that there are rumours about me moving in with a pretty looking girl, but that's not true at all.

Was it difficult to entice Amy?

Yes, it was. Most pretty girls are hard to please, aren't they? (Laughs).

When was the first time you fell in love?

I fell in love with Karisma Kapoor when I was 10 years old and it still lasts! I have loved her for 15 years of my life and I am so proud of it.

What is the craziest thing that you have done for Amy?

I think I have always got her back. Even if she doesn't need me I am here for her. I can do anything to make sure she is fine.

Recently, a picture of you kissing Amy was leaked online...

I was in Goa and it is a place that makes you do a lot of things. We were in high spirits and everyone was hugging and kissing each other and we were enjoying ourselves. Amy and I had a laugh about it.

How would you describe the following words -- Love, Sex and Dhoka?

Love is like another world. It is like a dream. Sex is also dreamy. Dhoka is not dreamy. It is not good to betray someone. You should not lie and cheat when in love.

Have you been betrayed by anyone in love?

Yes. I am sure you have to as it is a part and parcel of life.

What do you have to say about marriage? Do you believe in it?

It's a huge step in anyone's life but I do believe in it.

I believe in having a family and having children. Normally, kids grow up with their parents and learn so many things. I have never had that privilege or experience so it is like a fairy tale, but, as I said, I am a firm believer in marriage.

When do you plan to get married?

That's a really good question (laughs). I don't know when it will happen. It is something which cannot be planned.

You were known as Smita Patil's son when you came into the industry. Do you still feel the same pressure?

I don't feel the pressure but it's a lot of confusion because apart from the fact that she was my mother, I didn't know who she was.

I learn new things about her every day. She has made such a huge mark on everyone. Somewhere at the back of my mind I want to complete what she has left incomplete as an actor. It's an honour to be known as her son. It makes me proud.

Your grandmother thinks that she sees your mother in you...

I don't know, but I guess, yes. Other people are better judges but I am sure there has to be something similar in our personalities and traits since we have the same genes.

Do you miss your mother not being at your side?

It's a situation I have had to put up with right from the start. I have lived and grown up with it all my life. I have never felt sorry for myself. I definitely would have liked to know and meet her.

How is your relationship with your father?

We both work and are busy so we don't have much time to spend with each other. But I would say we share a normal relationship.

He is planning to write a book...

Yes, I have read about that. I am curious to know what it is going to be like since I didn't get to see my parents together.