Meet Popular Gangster Hussain Ustara, Dawood's Rival, Inspiration Behind Shahid Kapoor's O'Romeo

The teaser of Shahid Kapoor's starrer O’Romeo has been released recently, and it has created a lot of buzz among people. Vishal Bharadwaj’s high-octane teaser gave a glimpse of the elaborate star cast featuring Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri, alongside Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Vikrant Massey, and Tamannaah Bhatia, among others. Shahid was seen in a completely stylish avatar, and many buzz started that Shahid’s on-screen character might be inspired by real-life gangster Hussain Ustara.

Who was Hussain Ustara, and what rivalry did he have with Dawood Ibrahim?

Hussain Ustara, whose actual name was Hussain Sheikh, was a notorious Mumbai gangster. He was known to have a rivalry with the most dreaded don, Dawood Ibrahim. In the book, Dongri to Dubai, author, S Hussain Zaidi has given details of Ustara. As per reports, Vishal Bharadwaj has written the character of Shahid keeping in mind Hussain Ustara’s life and how he supports Sapna Didi after her spouse was murdered by Dawood.

How did Hussain Sheikh get the name ‘Ustara’?

Hussain Sheikh got the name ‘Ustara’ after he got into an altercation where he struck his opponent with a serious, sharp wound with a Ustara (scalpel). The wound was so precise and deep that even doctors were stunned to see it and wondered how to operate on it. Writer S Hussain Zaidi, in his book, Dongri to Dubai, wrote:

“It is said that a long incision had been made from shoulder to bottom. The doctors were astonished to see such a cut. They were unsure how to proceed with the operation."

Shahid Kapoor’s character in O’Romeo

Shahid Kapoor will be seen portraying the character of ‘Ustara’, a contract killer, who falls in love with Afsa and gets caught in the web of love, betrayal and revenge. In the trailer, Shahid was seen drenched in blood while clashing with the goons. As Vishal Bharadwaj is known for his gripping storytelling, the film's teaser has already raised the bar.

Vishal Bharadwaj returns to the big screen after seven years

O’Romeo will see Vishal Bharadwaj donning the director’s hat after seven years. His last big screen venture was the 2018 drama Pataakha, starring Sanya Malhotra and Radhika Madan. Post Pataakha, Vishal is directing a segment in Modern Love: Mumbai, the short film Fursat, and the SonyLIV mystery-thriller series, Charlie Chopra & the Mystery of Solang Valley. He also directed the Netflix spy thriller, Khufiya.

O’Romeo brings Vishal Bhardwaj to the big screen after a long wait. The film also reunites Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj for the first time since Kaminey and Haider. Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, O'Romeo is scheduled to hit theatres on February 13, 2026.

What do you think about Shahid Kapoor’s brutal avatar as Hussain Ustara in O’Romeo?

Also Read: Farida Jalal On Being Asked To Use Cuss Words In 'O' Romeo', Says, 'Choti Waali Toh De Sakti Hu..'

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