Sutapa Sikdar recalls Irrfan Khan's connection to Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘O’Romeo’ in heartfelt post: 'Irrfan is sending you best wishes from heaven'

After a long wait and several postponements, ‘O Romeo’ finally hit theatres today, February 13. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the crime drama features Shahid Kapoor in the lead, with Triptii Dimri and Nana Patekar in pivotal roles. As the film makes its way to audiences, the filmmaker shared an emotional note expressing pride in the project irrespective of how it performs critically or commercially.

Sutapa Sikdar’s emotional message

Among the many reactions to his post was a heartfelt comment from Sutapa Sikdar, wife of the late Irrfan Khan. Recalling the film’s early origins, she wrote: “Aapko bahut bahut Mubarak! Bahut Pehle aapne yeh sapna dekha tha tab iss ka naam sapna didi tha . Aapka Sapna Pura hua Aar aap sapne dekhte dekhte Romeo ban gaye !! Aap ko salaam aur Duniya mein Zulm Khatam hone ka Sapna dekhte rehna chahiye ! All the best ������@vishalrbhardwaj @rekha_bhardwaj ❤️❤️@irrfan is sending you best wishes from heaven (Congratulations to you! A long time ago you had dreamt of this film when it was called Sapna Didi. Today that dream came true and turns out, it was because of you Romeo! Hats off to you and the relentless pursuit of dreams to end the violence in the world)!”

Vishal Bhardwaj’s heartfelt note

In his own post, the director expressed gratitude to his team and spoke about the emotional intensity behind the project. He wrote, “Before the critics speak and before the box office delivers its verdict, I feel compelled to share how deeply proud I am of this film. Before the accolades or the criticism arrive, I must thank, from the deepest part of my being, all my HODs who gave far more than was ever asked of them their vision, their integrity, their sweat, their blood, and their unconditional commitment to my vision.”

Explaining the anger and anguish that shaped the film’s tone, he added, “There is so much hatred, violence, and injustice in society - and I often feel powerless against it. It wounds me deeply. This pent-up anguish needed release. In O Romeo, through my protagonist, I slash throats, split skulls, and blow the brains of the monsters I cannot confront in real life.”

He concluded with a striking reflection: “It is as massy as I can be. It is as artistic as I can be. It is as violent as I can be. It is as poetic as I can be. It is as loving as I can be. It is as vengeful as I can be. This journey has ended on such a beautiful note that these feelings must be shared regardless of the outcome.”

The film’s earlier version with Irrfan Khan

Interestingly, the project was originally envisioned with Irrfan in the lead opposite Deepika Padukone under the title ‘Sapna Didi’. However, scheduling issues and other constraints prevented that version from taking off. Vishal and Irrfan had previously collaborated on acclaimed films like ‘Maqbool’, ‘7 Khoon Maaf’, and ‘Haider’.

Irrfan later battled a neuroendocrine tumour and passed away in 2020 following complications from a colon infection, leaving behind his wife and sons, Babil and Ayaan.

Story and cast of ‘O Romeo’

Inspired by a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’, the film chronicles the rise of gangster Hussain Ustara, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor. Alongside Triptii Dimri and Nana Patekar, the ensemble includes Avinash Tiwary and Disha Patani, with Vikrant Massey appearing in a special role.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”