Prateik Babbar celebrated Smita Patil's birthday on sets of 'Mulk'

Actor Prateik Babbar celebrated his late mother, veteran actor Smita Patil's birthday with the cast and crew of his upcoming film, Mulk, in Lucknow this morning. Patil, remembered for her roles in films like Bhumika (1977), Chakra (1981) and Namak Halaal (1982), passed away in December 1986. Since Babbar couldn't take time off from the ongoing schedule of the Anubhav Sinha-directed project to mark the special day, he hosted a bash on set. Actors Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu joined him for the celebration.

Babbar tells mid-day, "I always wanted to celebrate my mom's birthday on a film set, as that was the place that breathed life to her passion. We cut a 10 kg cake for around 170 cast and crew members. I also bought red roses and white lilies since she loved flowers. My father [Raj Babbar] joined me for the celebration."

A source from the set tells mid-day that the cast and crew have planned a surprise for Babbar Jr, given that the day is important for him. "After wrapping up today's shoot, the unit will put up a skit. They will dance to the songs of Smitaji's iconic films. Some of the tracks include Humne Sanam Ko Khat Likha, Duniya Mein Kitna Gham Hai, Jeevan Saathi Saath Mein Rehna and Komal Hai Kamzor Nahin," says the insider.

Sinha, who idolises Patil, will host a Maharashtrian dinner at a dhaba. "Filmmakers who worked Smita ji believe that no other actor could match her skills," he says.