Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming film O Romeo, slated for release on February 13, 2026, has generated considerable buzz, partly due to the speculation that its characters are inspired by real-life figures from the Mumbai underworld. While the filmmakers haven't confirmed these inspirations, the film's teaser and the tagline "inspired by true events" have fueled rumors about the real people behind the characters portrayed by Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri. These figures are believed to be Hussain Ustara and Sapna Didi.
Hussain Ustara: The Blade-Wielding Gangster
Born Hussain Sheikh, Hussain Ustara emerged from Mumbai's tough neighborhoods and became a notorious figure in the city's underworld during the 1980s and 90s. He was known for his bravery and precision, rising through the ranks as a contract killer involved in street fights and protection rackets. Crime journalist S. Hussain Zaidi described him as "fear in human form".
Ustara's nickname came from a violent incident where he used a razor ("ustara" in Hindi) to inflict a precise and deep cut on an opponent during a fight. According to Zaidi's book Dongri to Dubai, the cut was so clean and deep that doctors were stunned and unsure how to proceed with surgery. This incident cemented his reputation and earned him the moniker "Hussain Ustara".
Ustara was a significant rival to Dawood Ibrahim, who dominated the Mumbai underworld at the time. Operating from Bapu Khote Street, Ustara controlled the Badani Building and ran his network with strict discipline. He was known for his sharp style and always wore shining clothes, a light smile, and expensive perfume.
Recently, Hussain Ustara's daughter, Sanober Shaikh, has taken legal action against the makers of O Romeo, accusing them of basing Shahid Kapoor's character on her father without the family's consent. She has also stated that the movie inaccurately portrays the relationship between Hussain Ustara and Sapna Didi.
Sapna Didi: The Woman Seeking Revenge
Sapna Didi, whose real name was Ashraf Khan, entered the underworld after her husband, Mehmood Khan, was allegedly murdered by Dawood Ibrahim's gang. Driven by revenge, she sought to dismantle Ibrahim's criminal empire.
Reports suggest that Sapna Didi teamed up with Hussain Ustara to seek vengeance. Ustara mentored her, providing training in combat, weapon handling, and motorbike riding. Together, they formed a formidable alliance that challenged Dawood's network. Sapna Didi was known for planning to assassinate Dawood Ibrahim during an India-Pakistan cricket match in Sharjah. However, the plan was leaked and never executed. In 1994, Dawood's men reportedly tracked her down to her Mumbai residence and brutally attacked her, stabbing her 22 times.
Some reports indicate that Sapna Didi and Hussain Ustara were very close and like siblings. However, the film O Romeo may depict them as romantic partners, which has stirred controversy.
O Romeo: Fact or Fiction?
While O Romeo is said to be inspired by true events, the filmmakers have stated that the film is a fictional narrative rather than a factual retelling. The film's narrative, which features Shahid Kapoor as a hitman named Ustara who falls in love with Afsha (Tripti Dimri), has sparked intense debate and legal scrutiny.
