Actor is uncomfortable with incessant questions about his mother Smita Patil

Prateik Babbar's introverted self doesn't really help him, especially when it comes to film promotions.

The actor who has always expressed reservations about interacting with fans or even the media, had to finally face his fears when it came to attending a college event to promote his next film My Friend Pinto.

Prateik who is scheduled to meet the kids of NM College at their annual festival Umang today (Aug 8), suddenly backed out on Saturday evening saying he wouldn't be comfortable dealing with such a large crowd.

Says a source "Prateik has always had problems facing a large crowd or answering too many questions.

He gets cold feet and it is happening too often off late." This is clearly not the first time the actor has tried to dodge directly interacting with his fans.

During the publicity of both his films Dhobhi Ghat and Aarakshan, Prateik maintained a low profile.

It seems one of the main reasons for the actor feeling uncomfortable during public appearances, is questions about his deceased mother actress Smita Patil.

Adds the source, "Everyone incessantly goes on about his mother, which makes him very uneasy." However, thankfully it was his producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali who managed to convince him to come out of his shell.

"Bhansali had to sit him down and tell him that he will be able to deal with a large crowd. He actually gave him tips on how to talk to youngsters and create an impression of sorts."

So for now you can catch Prateik Babbar at NM college and hopefully the enthusiasm of college kids will help him get rid of his anxieties.