The family of Mumbai gangster Hussain Shaikh alias Ustara has finally broken their silence on the controversy surrounding O Romeo. His daughter Sanobar Shaikh has denied issuing threats to the film’s makers and said the family is seeking legal intervention, not publicity. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, he denied that any threat had been given to the makers of O Romeo. He said the family has taken the legal route and are shocked by the allegations leveled against them.

Sheikh said, “The makers never took permission from us to make a film inspired by the life of our Baba. We have never been in a public place and are not doing this for money or fame. Ever since the news of the film based on him became public, our family is being harassed, people are sending us messages and videos and questioning us.”

Defending his father, he said that the facts have been distorted and presented in an indecent manner in the film. According to social media buzz, O Romeo will feature the story of Ustaara helping and training Sapna didi, played by Shahid Kapoor and Trupti Dimri. Sheikh seemed upset with a romantic song that had already been released. “She was like my baba’s sister, but as per the film, they are showing a romantic angle, which is absolutely wrong. We are demanding a pre-screening of the film so that we can understand what it is all about. If they are taking my father’s story, they should keep it real. We are ready to fight the case till the end.”

Watch the teaser of the film:

When he was reminded that filmmakers have creative freedom over stories in the public domain, he said that the family’s life had been deeply affected, and he wanted the matter to end. He also claimed that earlier there were reports that the film is based on his father and the makers are now denying it. “They have freedom, but our lives are very disturbed because of it. Even before the trailer was released, we were being harassed. Our world is very different from the film world, and we don’t want to be a part of it. As a family we are really upset.”

Sanobar Shaikh did not want to give details about the legal case, saying the matter was sub-judice. “Vishal Bhardwaj is an acclaimed director and Shahid Kapoor is also a good actor, and we have no problem with anyone. We want to see the film before release so that we can take it forward. We also want the producers to accept that our family has not given them any threats. Rest, we will fight it in court.”