The underworld of Mumbai has churned out many men feared and admired in equal measure and Hussain Ustara aka Ustaad is certainly one of them for their cold calculation and brutally effective style of doing away with their opponents. In short, they were a household name in the 80s and 90s, a very rare and formidable competition for turf and power for underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and their story remains an inspiration for many scriptwriters, journalists and now, filmmakers with the trailer for Vishal Bhardwaj’s O Romeo featuring Shahid Kapoor as a Hussain Ustara like character, Hussain Ustara and his world seem very much alive again.
Who was Hussain Ustara
Hussain Ustara aka Hussain Sheikh, spent most of his life in crime ridden areas of Mumbai and it was no wonder that he was drawn into gangs simply for survival. His life in those circumstances molded him into a feared assassin and it was indeed no surprise that he was feared for wielding the ustara or barber’s razor, which gave him his nickname.
What was the Hussain Ustara’s Real Name & Where Did He Come From?
Hussain Sheikh was from Mumbai, growing up in gangs infested neighbourhoods. His initiation into the world of crime was nothing less progressing from small street brawls to protection racketeing, finally culminating in his persona as a contract killer renowned for his precision crafted killing methods.
How Hussain Sheikh Became Known as ‘Ustara’
The nickname ‘Ustara’ came from a single act of violence. In a street brawl, Hussain allegedly employed a barber’s razor to slice an enemy with such finesse that doctors were left bewildered by the cuts. This act not only gave him the nickname ‘Ustara,’ but he also got known as a ruthless enforcer in the Mumbai underworld.
Rivalry Between Hussain Ustara & Dawood Ibrahim
The independence he possessed within the underworld made him a refreshing challenge for Dawood Ibrahim’s expanding control. Many gangs were swearing their allegiance to Dawood, but Ustara chose to do things his way defying submission. Land disputes and clashes of allegiance resulted in a bitter rivalry as Ustara came to represent an act of defiance against one of India’s leading crime barons.
Why is Hussain Ustara Returns in the Limelight
Hussain Ustara’s life makes the news again with the upcoming movie, O Romeo produced by the production house, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Although the movie isn’t biographical the story revolves around his life, where the concepts of love, revenge and violence in the Mumbai underworld have been depicted. Hussain Ustara, as played by actor Shahid Kapoor, brings the man behind the legend into the news again.
What is Shahid Kapoor’s Role in O Romeo?
In O Romeo, Shahid Kapoor essays the role of a contract killer named Ustara, who is drawn into a web of love, friendship, and revenge. In the trailer, he is seen wielding a razor, which is a tribute to Hussain Ustara’s signature weapon.
O Romeo is a production of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment is slated for release on February 13, 2026. O Romeo has already garnered attention for its mix of true-crime elements in its storyline. However, this is merely the beginning, with the principal actor, Shahid Kapoor pitching in with an incredible performance.
Is O Romeo Based on True Events?
Despite the inspiration it received from real incidents, it cannot be classified as a factual presentation. It draws its cues from the life of Ustara amid rivalry with powerful mafias and association with a woman who wishes to avenge herself, but it has been clarified that the presentation would be fictionalized.
Who was Sapna Didi & Her Link to Ustara?
Sapna Didi’s real name Ashraf Khan ventured into the underworld after her husband was murdered by Dawood’s men. Hussain Ustada mentored her and taught her how to handle guns, fight and plan. They were taking their revenge and this was another facet of Hussain Ustada mentors and planners and not mere murderers.
