Shabana Azmi shares emotional moment with Smita Patil’s son Prateik in ‘Imaginary Rain’, says ‘Smita ji will be watching with us’ | Hindi Movie News

Chef and filmmaker Vikas Khanna returns with ‘Imaginary Rain’, based on his 2023 book, starring Shabana Azmi and Prateik Patil. The film explores love, loss, and healing through food. A viral clip shows Shabana and Prateik’s emotional bond, as they recall Smita Patil. Khanna calls directing Shabana his biggest privilege.

Chef and filmmaker Vikas Khanna is all set to win hearts again with his new movie ‘Imaginary Rain’. The film is based on his 2023 book and tells a personal story connecting food, family, and emotions. It features Shabana Azmi and Prateik Patil, whose warm and natural chemistry has already caught fans’ attention.

Shabana Azmi shares a moving moment with Prateik Patil

On social media, Vikas recently posted a moving moment between Shabana Azmi and Prateik Patil. The short clip shows them sitting on a staircase as Shabana lovingly hugs him and shares that she hasn’t given such a hug in 25 years, a glimpse that perfectly shows their genuine off-screen warmth.

Shabana Azmi and Prateik Patil remember Smita Patil

The two also take a moment to remember Prateik’s late mother, Smita Patil, picturing her presence as they sit together. Sharing the clip, Vikas wrote, “So much history, remembrance, and love live in this moment. I feel Smita ji will be watching with us tonight. In three hours, I will share IMAGINARY RAIN with them. A story of identity and promises kept. I have waited almost six and a half years for this moment…with hope in my heart.”

Shabana Azmi plays a chef in ‘Imaginary Rain’

In ‘Imaginary Rain’, Shabana Azmi plays a celebrated chef from Manhattan who returns to India after experiencing a painful loss. The film, featuring Prateik alongside her, unfolds as a moving tale about coping with grief, reconnecting with family, and finding healing through the joy of food.

Vikas Khanna praises Shabana Azmi

Speaking to PTI, Khanna said, “My next movie is coming out in a few months. It’s called ‘Imaginary Rain’, it’s with Shabana Azmi, A R Rahman, and Prateik. It’s about a chef in New York. I think it’s my life’s best work. And to direct Shabana Azmi has been one of the biggest privileges of my life. I’m very proud of it. For me to convince her to play this role will possibly be one of the greatest highlights of my life.”

Shabana Azmi reunites with Vikas Khanna for a special project

With this movie, Vikas Khanna takes another big step in his filmmaking career. He started directing in 2019 with ‘The Last Color’, starring Neena Gupta, and continues to follow his passion for both food and storytelling. He is also back as a judge on MasterChef India 2026 with chefs Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapoor.