O’Romeo Faces Controversy as Hussain Ustara’s Daughter Questions Portrayal

O’Romeo Row: Hussain Ustara’s Daughter Moves Court, Seeks Film Ban

Days ahead of the release of O’Romeo, Sanober Shaikh, daughter of late gangster Hussain Ustara, has approached a Mumbai civil court seeking a permanent injunction against the Shahid Kapoor-starrer. She alleges the film is an unauthorised biopic that falsely portrays her father as a gangster, causing potential harm to her and her children.

The lawsuit, filed through advocate D V Saroj, names producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Vishal Bhardwaj, claiming the film was made “for commercial gain without obtaining prior consent.” Sanober emphasised that her father had helped law enforcement in Mumbai and was not a criminal.

Earlier, Sanober had sent a legal notice seeking Rs. 2 crore in damages after the teaser release. She told CNN-News18, “My father wasn’t a gangster. He wanted to cleanse the city and remove criminals. The problem is how his image is portrayed in the film.”

Responding, Bhardwaj said the film is based on Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, adding, “Characters are from the book, but there are fictional elements. I do not think I needed permission from the family.”

The controversy is set to intensify as the film’s release approaches.