The release of the film 'O Romeo' has brought the spotlight back to the gritty annals of Mumbai's underworld history, while directed by the acclaimed Vishal Bhardwaj, the movie features Shahid Kapoor in a role heavily inspired by the real-life figure of Hussain Ustara. During the 1980s and early 1990s, Mumbai was a city in transition, marked by the decline of textile mills and the rise of organized crime. In this volatile atmosphere, while Dawood Ibrahim was consolidating his power, Hussain Ustara emerged as a defiant figure who refused to align with the D-Company, carving out his own niche in the city's criminal landscape.
The Socio-Economic Landscape of 1980s Mumbai
The Mumbai of the 1980s was characterized by significant industrial unrest and economic shifts. The closure of massive textile mills left thousands of workers unemployed, creating a fertile ground for recruitment into the underworld. Smuggling through the city's vast coastline was at its peak, and various gangs fought for territorial control. Hussain Sheikh, who would later be known as Hussain Ustara, grew up in these challenging environments. Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied on brute force and large entourages, Ustara was known for his calculated approach and a quiet demeanor that commanded respect and fear in equal measure across the Dongri and South Mumbai areas.
The Origin of the Monicker 'Ustara'
In the underworld, nicknames are often earned through specific acts of violence or unique traits. According to crime historians and accounts in books like 'Dongri to Dubai', Hussain Sheikh earned the name 'Ustara' (Razor) following a particularly brutal confrontation. It's reported that during a gang skirmish, he used a razor-sharp blade with surgical precision. The nature of the injuries inflicted was so distinct that the name stuck permanently, while this weapon became his signature, symbolizing a controlled yet lethal form of violence. The name 'Ustara' eventually became more prominent in police records and street talk than his actual name, representing a sharp threat to his rivals.
Defiance Against Dawood Ibrahim's Dominance
By the late 1980s, Dawood Ibrahim's influence had become near-absolute in the Mumbai underworld. Most smaller gangs were forced to either merge with the D-Company or face elimination, while hussain Ustara was one of the few who maintained an independent operation. His resistance wasn't merely a matter of ego but a strategic stance on territorial sovereignty. According to historical accounts, he provided support to those who sought to challenge Dawood's authority. This included his association with figures like Sapna Did, whom he reportedly mentored and assisted in her quest for revenge against the D-Company, providing her with the tactical knowledge required to navigate the dangerous world of crime.
Cinematic Adaptation in 'O Romeo'
Vishal Bhardwaj's 'O Romeo' attempts to capture the essence of this era through a fictionalized narrative. Shahid Kapoor plays a hitman named Ustara, whose life is upended when he falls in love with a woman named Afsha, played by Triptii Dimri, while while the filmmakers have clarified that the movie isn't a direct biopic, the parallels with Hussain Ustara's life are evident in the character's background and the gritty atmosphere of the film. The narrative explores the duality of a man who lives by the blade but struggles with internal emotional conflicts. The teaser and promotional materials highlight a character that's both ruthless and vulnerable, mirroring the complex legends surrounding the real Ustara.
The Legacy of Hussain Ustara in Crime Folklore
Hussain Ustara remains a significant figure in the folklore of Mumbai's underworld due to his refusal to bow down to the most powerful syndicate of his time. His story is a reminder of the complex power dynamics that existed before the total centralization of the underworld. While 'O Romeo' brings a stylized version of this history to the silver screen, the real-life events continue to intrigue historians and cinema-goers alike, while the film serves as a bridge between the documented history of Mumbai's gang wars and the creative interpretation of a man whose name once sent shivers through the docks and alleys of the city.