Real-Life Inspiration Behind Shahid Kapoor’s O Romeo; Gangster Hussain Ustara & Sapna Didi!
Vishal Bhardwaj’s O Romeo dropped its first-look teaser recently, and it was quite an intriguing one. Shahid Kapoor looked dangerously compelling, and while the teaser barely revealed the plot, one line stole the spotlight. The film is “inspired by true events.”
Real Life Inspiration Behind Shahid Kapoor’s O Romeo – Gangster Hussain Ustara?
Soon after, buzz began around Shahid Kapoor’s character. Many believe it is inspired by real-life Mumbai gangster – the late Hussain Ustara. His real name was Hussain Sheikh, and he was once one of the most feared hitmen in the city’s underworld.
He earned the nickname “Ustara,” which literally means a barber’s razor, after a brutal street fight. In that incident, he allegedly used a razor with such precision that doctors were shocked by the clean, surgical cuts. That single act sealed his reputation as a ruthless killer!
Hussain grew up in Mumbai’s gang-infested neighborhoods. Like many crime figures of his time, he started small. Street fights turned into something big, which eventually led him to become a contract killer known for carefully planned and precise murders. What truly set him apart was his rivalry with Dawood Ibrahim. At a time when most gangs pledged loyalty to Dawood, Hussain refused to bow down.
Tripti Dimrii’s O Romeo Character; Based On Sapna Didi!
The film is also believed to reportedly draw inspiration from Sapna Didi, portrayed by Triptii Dimri. Sapna Didi was born Ashraf Khan and was one of the rare women who rose in Mumbai’s male-dominated underworld. Her life took a violent turn after Dawood Ibrahim ordered the murder of her husband, Mehmood Khan. What followed was a fierce quest for revenge.
Sapna disrupted D Company’s operations and even plotted an assassination attempt against Dawood. Her entry into the criminal world was closely linked to Hussain Ustara, who was already Dawood’s rival. He reportedly supported her after her husband’s death, and together, their paths crossed in a cycle of rebellion and revenge.
While the makers of O Romeo have not officially confirmed these inspirations, the character arcs and timelines feel hard to ignore. If the film truly explores these real-life stories, audiences can expect a gritty, emotional, and explosive crime drama. And knowing Vishal Bhardwaj, it will not just be violent. It will be layered, haunting, and unforgettable!
Shahid Kapoor’s O Romeo Controversy; Makers Receive 2 Crore Demand From Gangster Hussain Ustara’s Daughter!
O Romeo is in trouble even before release. Sanober Shaikh, daughter of late gangster Hussain Ustara, claims the film is based on her father without the family’s permission. She says Shahid Kapoor’s character shows her father in a negative way. Reports say she has sent a legal notice to producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Vishal Bhardwaj. She is demanding Rs 2 crore and has asked for the film’s release to be delayed or stopped.
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, O Romeo boasts a powerhouse cast including Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, and Farida Jalal. The film is currently slated to release on 13 February 2026.
(Also Read: Triptii Dimri-Shahid Kapoor & More: New Bollywood On-screen Duos to Watch Out For!)
