Ashhar Alam
Shahid Kapoor is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film O’Romeo, a Vishal Bhardwaj directorial set against the gritty backdrop of post-Independence Mumbai. Even before its theatrical debut, the gangster drama has found itself in the middle of a legal storm, bringing renewed attention to a lesser-known but feared name from Mumbai’s underworld: Hussain Ustara.
The controversy erupted after Sanober Shaikh, daughter of Hussain Ustara, sent a legal notice to the filmmakers. She has alleged that Shahid Kapoor’s character in the film closely mirrors her father’s life and persona, claiming the portrayal was done without the family’s consent. She has reportedly sought compensation of Rs 2 crore, accusing the makers of unauthorised representation.
While the film’s team has maintained that O’Romeo is a fictional story inspired by real-life events, the debate has only intensified curiosity around the man at the centre of the dispute.
Born as Hussain Sheikh, Hussain Ustara grew up in some of Mumbai’s toughest neighbourhoods. His early life reportedly involved street-level violence and protection rackets, which eventually pulled him into the city’s criminal underworld. Over time, he became known as a contract killer, feared for his ruthlessness.
Crime author S. Hussain Zaidi, in his book Dongri to Dubai, traces the origin of the nickname “Ustara” to a particularly brutal incident. According to accounts cited in the book, the name stemmed from a savage attack in which a scalpel was used to inflict a deep, surgical wound so precise that even doctors were stunned by the nature of the injury.
Ustara was also known for his reported rivalry with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Refusing to operate under anyone’s command, he remained independent, which led to frequent clashes of interest. This power struggle is said to have cemented his reputation as a dangerous and influential figure in Mumbai’s crime landscape.
Hussain Ustara reportedly died in 1998, but his story continues to resurface through books, folklore, and now, cinema.
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In O’Romeo, Shahid Kapoor plays a hitman named Ustara who falls in love with Afsha, portrayed by Triptii Dimri. The film explores his journey through love, loyalty, betrayal, and revenge in a violent world. The resemblance between the character’s name and Hussain Ustara’s real-life persona has fueled speculation and controversy.
Despite the parallels being drawn, the filmmakers have clarified that the film does not depict any one individual and is a fictional narrative loosely inspired by real events.
O’Romeo is slated for a theatrical release on February 13, and with the controversy adding to the buzz, all eyes are now on how the story unfolds on screen.
