I am of the generation of journalists who saw Smita Patil pregnant. The magazine I edited featured a pregnant Smita talking about her baby. We reported on her delivery and why Smita and also the post-natal complications. Nobody expected Smita Patil to die but she did and it was a funeral to remember.
For a while Prateik was brought up by his maternal grandparents but he spent time with his father’s family as well and proudly wore his surname. I often wonder what kind of a life Prateik would have had if his mother was alive. Maybe she would have charted out a different path for his career. Would he have been more successful? It is a difficult question to answer but he would definitely have been more secure and happy. Anyway, Prateik has worn his cross gracefully and on his special birthday, I wish him all the best.