Prateik Babbar On Battling Drug Addiction Since Age 13: 'My Family Situation Was A Bit Complicated'

Actor Prateik Babbar candidly discussed his first experience with drugs and the impact it had on both his personal life and career.

New Delhi: Actor Prateik Babbar has addressed his history of drug abuse publicly again, dispelling persistent claims that he started abusing substances after breaking into the Bollywood industry. While promoting his most recent film, ‘Khwaabon Ka Jhamela’, the actor spoke out about his drug use beginning when he was thirteen years old, long before he became a film actor.

In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Prateik Babbar shared his story and the common belief that his stardom drove him to experiment with drugs. The actor said, “I just want to say that people think, ‘Oh, he entered films, got fame and money, and then started taking drugs.’ No, that’s not true. My drug use began when I was thirteen years old, even before I turned twelve. Yes, I was terrified. So, it wasn’t because of the film industry. Unfortunately, I had a different kind of upbringing, and my family situation was a bit complicated. That’s why I started using drugs. It’s not that fame and money in films led me to it—I had already started using drugs then.”

Prateik Babbar Says His Drug Use Affected His Life

Addiction had a profound impact on Prateik's life, especially his relationships. He said, "And yes, it did affect me, and still does, especially in relationships. Drugs are associated with trauma. As long as that trauma isn’t settled, it will continue to impact relationships and other areas of life. But there comes a time when you have to work to make things better, which I’ve been doing for many years. My fiancée has been helping me improve in many ways. We’re helping each other grow. That’s life."

In 2006, Prateik debuted in Bollywood with the film 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na'. Rumour has it that he'll be joining Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna in the film 'Sikandar'.