Prateik fulfills grandma's wish to visit Varanasi (Lead, superseding earlier story)

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actor Prateik took time off from his busy schedule in Varanasi to fulfil his maternal grandmother Vidyatai Patil's wish to visit sites in the temple town.

The 25-year-old had an extensive shooting schedule for "Issaq" in Uttar Pradesh. Since the schedule lasted for over a month, he took his grandmother along for the shoot.

He also escorted her for all the sightseeing, including a holy dip in the Ganga, said a source.

"It was amazing shooting in Benares, especially in the Ganga, as well as having grandma around. It was my first time and I didn't know that the water would be so cold. I was freezing as we were shooting for hours in the running current of the river," Prateik said in a statement.

Prateik, son of actor Raj Babbar and late actress Smita Patil, is very close to his maternal family. He took personal care of his grandmother during the work schedule.

"He is extremely close to his maternal family and has the highest regard for his grandmother. It was endearing to see him escort her around Benares to soak in the sights of the city," said a source.

"It was also the actor's first experience with the holy city and the Ganga. He shot for several scenes in the river as well for over two hours," added a source.

Produced by Shailesh Singh and Dhaval Gada, "Issaq" is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet". It is being directed by Manish Tiwary. While Prateik plays the male lead, the identity of the lead actress has been kept under wraps.