MUMBAI - Belying rumours of a rift between them, budding actor Pratik Babbar this week took off for Ferozabad district of Uttar Pradesh to campaign for his father and Congress candidate Raj Babbar for a by-election Nov 7.

While Pratik was in Uttar Pradesh, his aunt Manya Patil confirmed Pratik’s determined bid to stand by his father publicly for the first time. Pratik’s mother was the critically acclaimed actress Smita Patil.

“This wasn’t done to prove any point to anyone, and certainly not to disprove rumours of a rift with his father,” says Manya. “Pratik couldn’t care less about what people think.

“He took off this week to campaign for his father in the Ferozabad district. I was as surprised as anyone else when he told me, ‘I want to do this for my dad. He needs me to be by his side and I have to do it.’ We’ve never stopped him from following his heart.”

Manya was just a bit apprehensive about any language problems Pratik may encounter on the political podium. “The boy is not that good with Hindi yet, though he’s learning fast. So I told him to just fold his hands, say a few words at every rally and meeting.”

Watching Pratik stand next to his actor-turned-politician-dad is dj vu for Manya.

“It reminds me of my sister and Pratik’s mom, Smita, campaigning for Murli Deora and Sunil Dutt saab. She also used to be a very prominent part of our father Shivajirao Patil’s political rallies. We are a family of politicians. And Pratik has politics in his blood from both his parents.”

Speaking on rumours that Pratik wanted to change his surname from Babbar to Patil, Manya says, “These rumours probably started because Pratik wanted to call himself Mickey after our beloved family dog who passed away. Then for a while Pratik also told his friends he wants to be known as Patrick. He goes through these phases.”