O’Romeo: Sutapa Sikdar remembers Irrfan, Sapna didi in note to Vishal Bhardwaj
Late Irrfan Khan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar extended her warm wishes to Vishal Bhardwaj as O’Romeo releases on screens today. The director had earlier envisioned a film starring Irrfan in the lead role.
hey romeoDirected by Vishal Bhardwaj and starring Shahid Kapoor and Trupti Dimri, the film has finally released in theaters after several delays. Ahead of the film’s reception by critics and audiences, Bhardwaj shared a heartfelt note expressing his pride and gratitude for the project, and received encouragement from his industry friends, including his late best friend and actor Irrfan Khan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar.
he thanked his team In a long note shared on Instagram. Bhardwaj wrote, “Before the critics speak and the box office announces its verdict, I feel compelled to share how proud I am of this film. Before the praise or criticism comes, let me thank from the deepest part of me all my HODs who gave so much more than was asked of them – their vision, their honesty, their sweat, their blood, and their unconditional commitment to my vision (sic).”
Sutapa, who is aware of Bhardwaj’s strong friendship with her late husband, commented on his post. He admitted that the director had first thought of making this film with Irrfan. Sutapa confirms what the title of the film is sapna didi When it first came to the late actor. He wrote, “Many congratulations to you! You had this dream long ago, its name was Sapna Didi. Your dream came true and you became a dreaming Romeo!! Salute to you and you should dream of ending oppression in the world! All the best! @vishalrbhardwaj @rekha_bhardwaj @irrfan is sending you best wishes from heaven.”
Reflecting on the film’s themes, Bhardwaj wrote in his note, “There is so much hatred, violence and injustice in society – and I often feel powerless against it. It wounds me deeply. This pent-up pain needs to be released. In O Romeo, through my hero, I slit the throats, crack skulls and blow out the brains of those demons I cannot face in real life.”
He described the film as a blend of his creative tendencies: “It’s as expansive as I can be. It’s as artistic as I can be. It’s as violent as I can be. It’s as poetic as I can be. It’s as loving as I can be. It’s as vengeful as I can be. This journey ended on such a beautiful note that these feelings deserve to be shared – regardless of the outcome.”
O’Romeo was initially planned with Irrfan Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles, but the project was later re-imagined. Bhardwaj and Irrfan had previously worked together in many films.
Irfan, who was undergoing treatment for neuroendocrine tumor, died in 2020. He is survived by his wife and sons Babil and Aayan.
During this time, hey romeo It is inspired by a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai and tells the story of gangster Hussain Ustara. Starring Shahid Kapoor. The cast also includes Avinash Tiwari, Disha Patani, Nana Patekar and a special appearance by Vikrant Massey and Tamannaah Bhatia.
