Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee bust myth of fairytale Bollywood marriages, claim '90% of Bollywood marriages are a facade'

Prateik Smita Patil is well-known for films such as 'Ekk Deewana Tha' and 'Dhobi Ghat'. He and his wife Priya Banerjee openly discussed how marriage in Bollywood is different than what most people would think about it. They mentioned how there is so much pressure from the industry to be "picture-perfect" and that the way people are expected to behave when together is all just for show and not true to their locations.

In a candid chat with Navin Singh Bhardwaj from Team Varinder Chawla, Prateik didn’t mince words. “Ninety percent of Bollywood marriages are a facade,” he said, pointing out how many unions seem stable only on the surface. He also highlighted how controversies are brushed aside with casual phrases like “raat gayi baat gayi,”(Let bygones be bygones) hinting at a disconnect between public narratives and private truths.

Marriage should not be driven by pressure

Priya also agreed with Prateik and said that getting married just because that's what your parents want you to do, or just because of what other people may think of you, will usually end with the couple having issues and feeling upset with their marriage, which she believes many others experience as well.

The couple emphasised that compatibility, self-awareness and timing matter far more than ticking societal boxes. They believe many relationships collapse because people feel rushed into marriage without being emotionally prepared, prioritising approval over personal growth.

Sparking a wider conversation online

Their straightforward take has resonated with many online, earning praise for addressing a subject usually glossed over in celebrity interviews. By challenging conventional ideas around marriage, Prateik and Priya have contributed to a broader discussion on authenticity, choice and emotional well-being, both in Bollywood and beyond.

Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee wedding

Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee tied the knot on February 14, 2025, in an intimate wedding ceremony held at the late Smita Patil’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai. The private celebration was attended by close family and friends, keeping the focus on love, tradition and personal significance.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”