We caught up with actor Prateik Babbar, who recently shot for Four More Shots, Please in Milan, and got him to tell us about his favourite restaurants and must-see locations there. He also talks about completing 14 years in Bollywood and how his travels inspire him as an actor. By Chirag Mohanty Samal
Excerpts from the interview with Prateik Babbar:
T+L India: You have been in the industry for 14 years, how have you evolved as an actor and as a person in these years?
Prateik Babbar: Undoubtedly, I have. Today, I am surer about my craft and my choices as an artist. I feel I am more in charge of myself on the set, and it has come through a decade-long experience. As a person, I have grown to become more sympathetic and empathetic.
T+L India: What milestones in your journey are you most proud of?
Prateik Babbar: It has to be my debut as an actor. I am proud to have embarked on an acting journey because I feel at home in front of the camera. The second milestone will be doing Dhobi Ghat immediately after my first film. It made my passion and love for the craft even more intense. I am incredibly grateful for my journey in its entirety. It has given me a lot of learnings and life lessons.
T+L India: How fond are you of travelling? How often do you travel?
Prateik Babbar: I love travelling. I make sure to take time out to visit a new city, have new experiences, and meet new people. It gives you a sense of contentment.
T+L India: Does travel inspire you as an actor?
Prateik Babbar: Of course! As an actor, you are like a sponge that absorbs everything only to express it on screen. What is a better way to understand human emotions than travelling!
T+L India: Your most frequented destination?
Prateik Babbar: My most frequently visited destination is Goa.
T+L India: Your happiest travel memories?
Prateik Babbar: My happiest travel memory is a family vacation to the south of France over 10 years ago.
T+L India: You were in Milan? What did you like the most about the place?
Prateik Babbar: Milan is aesthetically so rich! Anywhere you look, it is picturesque. It is so beautiful. I wish I had more time to explore it, but since I was shooting Four More Shots, Please, I had a tight schedule. I will make sure to get back there soon.
T+L India: What are the must-visit places in Milan that you would recommend?
Prateik Babbar: Do visit Duomo di Milano. Make sure to explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It has beautiful cafes. Watch an Opera at Teatro alla Scala. Do spend an evening in Navigli and visit San Maurizio and the Archaeology Museum.
T+L India: Which are your favourite eating joints in Milan?
Prateik Babbar: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has really cool cafes that serve incredible food. There are nice pizza places, all over central Milan.
T+L India: Are there any shopping districts in Milan that you would want to go back to?
Prateik Babbar: Go to local markets when in a city like Milan. It really helps you understand the city’s culture and can allow you to get your hands on something unique.
T+L India: Which city impacted you both personally and professionally?
Prateik Babbar: Mumbai! I have grown here and have everything here. Whatever I am today, I owe a lot to the city. My love for Mumbai is immeasurable and incomparable.
T+L India: What’s in your travel bucket list?
Prateik Babbar: Everything and anything unexplored and offbeat. I love visiting places that have not been explored much by people. I look forward to finding those gems and spending time there.
Related: Going Places With People: Nimrat Kaur On Her Memorable Trips, Adventures & Bucket-List Destinations
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