Subhechcha Ganguly 
Bollywood actor Prateik Smita Patil has candidly reflected on his troubled past, revealing that his battle with substance abuse led to multiple expulsions from schools and colleges, including filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s prestigious acting institute, Whistling Woods.
In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, the actor opened up about the dark phase in his life, marked by alcohol and drug addiction. Prateik, who made his acting debut in 2008 with Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, admitted that his addictions derailed his career and personal life.
“The grandparents saw the worst of me in those last few years. I was a raging addict. My grandmother died seeing me in that state. That’s something I deeply regret. I wish she could see the man I have become today,” he said, expressing remorse over the pain his family endured during his lowest moments.
Following the release of his debut film, Prateik enrolled at Whistling Woods International, the film school founded by veteran director Subhash Ghai. However, his stay was cut short due to his drug use. “I shot Jaane Tu and then went to Whistling Woods. I was studying a little bit here and there, but there was a slump. I didn’t know what I was doing. I was there for about two years and then I got thrown out for doing drugs. Looking back now, it’s almost funny—I got expelled from every school and college I went to. I was a menace,” he admitted.
Despite his rocky past, Prateik has been working steadily in films. He was last seen in HIT: The Third Case, directed by Sailesh Kolanu. The film, starring Nani and Srinidhi Shetty, has performed well at the box office, grossing ₹92.5 crore worldwide.
Before that, Prateik appeared in Sikandar, alongside Salman Khan. Directed by AR Murugadoss and featuring Rashmika Mandanna and Kajal Aggarwal, the film struggled to impress audiences and critics alike, managing Rs184.9 crore globally but drawing criticism for its weak storyline.
Now in recovery and with a renewed sense of purpose, Prateik appears committed to rebuilding both his personal and professional life
