In a significant legal development in Bollywood, Sanober Shaikh, the daughter of Hussain Ustara, has taken legal action to prevent the release of the upcoming Shahid Kapoor film, O Romeo. On February 13, she filed a lawsuit in a Mumbai civil court, seeking a permanent injunction against the movie, which she claims exploits a human tragedy for commercial gain.
Lawsuit Details and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed by advocate DV Saroj, alleges that O Romeo is an unauthorized biopic of her late father, Hussain Ustara, and falsely portrays his life. Sanober Shaikh stated that the film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, is based on her father's biography without obtaining prior consent from her or her family.
Claims of Exploitation and False Portrayal
According to the legal documents, the film depicts Hussain Ustara as a gangster, a portrayal that Sanober Shaikh vehemently denies. She asserted that her father actually assisted in crime prevention across India and Mumbai by cooperating with police authorities. The lawsuit warns that the release could cause irreparable injury to her and her children, infringing on their right to live in peace and a healthy environment.
Sanober Shaikh further accused the filmmakers of exploiting a human tragedy for monetary benefits, arguing that the theatrical release might besmirch her father's character. In an earlier interview with Hindustan Times, she refuted claims that her family demanded ₹2 crore, labeling such allegations as publicity stunts for the film.
Legal Proceedings and Film Details
The Mumbai civil court is scheduled to hear the matter on February 6. The lawsuit names Sajid Nadiadwala, Vishal Bharadwaj, and journalist-author Hussain Zaidi as defendants. O Romeo, based on Hussain Zaidi's book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, features a star-studded cast including Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, and others, with a planned release date of February 13.
This case highlights ongoing tensions in Bollywood over biopics and the ethical portrayal of real-life figures, raising questions about consent and the impact on families.
