/> After playing a socio-economically challenged member of a backward community in Dhobi Ghat Pratik Babbar will now be seen as a denizen of the privileged class in Prakash Jha's Aarakshan.

But that's not the only reason why Pratik's part on Prakash's project attains its interest level. The role acquires muscle and intrigue from the fact that snatches of Pratik's real-life love story (with Hanisha Melwani) has been tracked down to become part of his role in Aarakshan.

Apparently in Jha's film Pratik pursues Deepika Padukone relentelessly although she makes it clear that she has no romantic interest in him.

Says a source, "In Aarakshan Pratik plays the part of a boy who loves the girl (Deepika) and pursues her non-stop although she makes it very clear that she's in love with Saif Ali Khan's character. Pratik's part definitely has shades of his real-life love story."

Ask the talented young actor, currently basking in raves for Dhobi Ghat, about his part in Aarakshan and he says, "It's something close to my heart and something I haven't done before. Both are pre-requisites for me to accept a role. It has to appeal to me and challenge me. That's why I did Dhobi Ghat. I never thought I could carry off the lingo and body-language of a dhobi."

Pratik loves to surprise himself both off and on screen.

Says the actor exhausted with work-related activity, "In my next release Dum Maro Dum I go into a completely different zone. Then there's Raghav Dar's My Friend Pinto. That's again something new to do for me."

Each of the roles requires a different discipline, accent and body language from Pratik. This year he has decided to completely cut down on his extra-curricular activities. No more wild nights and beach parties?

Laughs Pratik, "No more of all that. It's just my work.I've four films to complete and release this year. It's a decisive year for me.I'm completely done with socializing.It's just the studios and the gym for me. There's no room for anything else.I'm so relieved people have accepted me in Dhobi Ghat.If I can pull off a dhobi's role I've the confidence to try any kind of role."

The parts are picked personally by Pratik. "Though I take my aunt (Manya Patil) and my business manager into confidence I finally take the call on what roles to accept."

Comparisons to his never-forgotten mother the mythic Smita Patil have intensified after Dhobi Ghat. Pratik is comfortable though not overjoyed with the constant comparisons.

"I think it's amazing to be compared with her. It just shows that even after all these years people don't want to forget her. They want to remember her through me. Fair enough. But somewhere down the line I'd need to come into my own.

To be recognized for my own abilities and personality. Of course I've seen my mom's films. She's awesome. But I really don't see that much of resemblance between us."

In Raghav Dar's My Friend Pinto we'll get to see Pratik's dancing skills for the first time. He had a ball attempting both the conventional filmy style and a more orthodox genre of dancing. According to inside information from the crew of My Friend Pinto, Pratik's dancing is comparable with Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapoor.

Pratik is also getting used to the public glare. "I enjoy dancing. But not in public places. I'm very shy of attention. This year I hope to overcome all my inhibitions and actually enjoy blowing kisses to the mobs."