Prateik Smita Patil reflects on how his mother’s legacy has influenced modern female led shows: ‘She’s paved the way for many women to stand up for themselves’ | Hindi Movie News
As ‘Four More Shots Please!’comes to an end after four seasons, Prateik Smita Patil is using the moment to reflect on women-led storytelling and the influence of his late mother, Smita Patil. The author maintains that women’s narratives preserve their emotional and political power even though their presentation methods have shifted throughout history. The current female-led shows on television today stem from the efforts of previous generations according to him.
How Smita Patil’s legacy echoes today
In an interview with SCREEN, Prateik spoke about how his mother’s choices continue to resonate in modern narratives centered on women. “I don’t think things have changed much. The narrative is still the same, where women are trying to be strong and portray who they really are and want to be,” he said. He emphasized that only the mediums have shifted. “The stories and cinema will be different, but it’s the same narrative,” he added.
Prateik credited Smita Patil for making fearless decisions at a time when women had limited space in the industry. “My mother handled all essential choices which needed her attention during her time with us. She created a path which enables numerous women to defend their rights according to him. He pointed out that this impact is visible today. “There are women doing that today, 100%. Four of them, and so many more.”He also recognized that the industry underwent structural transformations. “Times are changing. You cannot call the industry a man’s world anymore,” Prateik said. “It still isn’t there, but women can call the shots.”He contrasted this with the past. “That wasn’t the scenario 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago,” he said. Looking ahead, his optimism was clear. “I am excited about the future which will bring women to positions of leadership. It’s going to happen. It’s inevitable.”
Why Jeh was written as an extreme
Prateik discussed his portrayal of Jeh because this character displays an unreasonably patient behavior. The home viewing experience of the show reveals the existing conflict between these two elements. “Every time I watch the show with my wife (Priya Banerjee), I just get a look. She’s like, ‘Dude!What is wrong with you?’”he said.He explained the thinking behind the character. “I think the thought behind Jeh is just be a yes man. Just say yes to everything. Because there are very few men who do that. There can be one man who says yes to everything,” Prateik said. He did not romanticize the relationship. “It’s quite toxic, particularly from Damini’s end,” he said. “Jeh continues to accept the situation although he maintains his personal limits.The show delivers its message to Prateik through a straightforward approach. “What is ‘Four More Shots Please!’?It’s women empowerment, in its own way,” he said. “Women are trying to be themselves, and f*ck you if you have a problem with that. You don’t pay their bills. They have their own jobs. They’re going to choose the men they want.”
