The veteran actress breaks her “sweet mother” image with a bold dialogue; the teaser fuels rumors that Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri are playing Hussain Ustara and Sapna Didi.
January 11, 2026: Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj is known for subverting expectations, but his latest move has left the internet in a state of collective shock. Following the release of the O Romeo teaser on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the conversation hasn’t just been about Shahid Kapoor’s tattoos or the high-octane action—it’s about veteran actress Farida Jalal using a cuss word.
Jalal, beloved for decades as the quintessential “sweet mother” or “warm grandmother” in classics like DDLJ and Shararat, appears in a fierce, gritty avatar. Her standout dialogue from the teaser has already become a viral meme:
“Ishq mein aashiq tar jaaye toh Romeo, mar jaaye toh ch*ya.”
“Not on my 2026 Bingo Card”: Netizens React
Social media was flooded with reactions within minutes of the teaser drop. While most fans lauded the “savage” transformation, some were jokingly “traumatized” to see their favorite onscreen Nani swearing.
“Farida Jalal swearing on camera was not on my 2026 bingo card. Vishal Bhardwaj is a magician for making this happen! 🔥”
“We got Farida Jalal saying bad words before GTA 6. What a time to be alive! But honestly, her conviction in that line is chilling.”
“Bollywood has officially ruined my childhood memories! From Sharaarat to this? But jokes aside, the teaser is a certified banger.”
🔍 True Events: Is it the Sapna Didi-Hussain Ustara Story?
The teaser confirms the film is “Inspired by True Events,” leading to heavy speculation among cinephiles. The dark, post-independence Mumbai underworld setting suggests that Bhardwaj is finally bringing the story of Sapna Didi to life.
| Real-Life Figure | Rumored Actor | Character Arc |
| Hussain Ustara | Shahid Kapoor | A ruthless thief and rival to Dawood Ibrahim. |
| Sapna Didi | Triptii Dimri | A woman seeking vengeance after her husband’s murder. |
| Dawood Ibrahim | Nana Patekar | The primary antagonist (rumored “Don” character). |
| The Husband | Vikrant Massey | His death triggers Sapna Didi’s revenge mission. |
While the makers have not officially confirmed these names (likely due to legal sensitivities surrounding the families of the real-life figures), the “revenge romance” plotline aligns perfectly with S. Hussain Zaidi’s chronicles of the Mumbai mafia.
Valentine’s Week Showdown
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, O Romeo is slated for a February 13, 2026 release. It will face stiff competition from Bejoy Nambiar’s survival thriller Tu Yaa Main, which also explores a dark, twisted take on love.
Cast Ensemble:
Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, Vikrant Massey, Avinash Tiwary, and Tamannaah Bhatia (in a special appearance).