Farida Jalal’s unexpected dialogue steals the spotlight in O Romeo teaser

Veteran Bollywood actor Farida Jalal, celebrated for her gentle, motherly and grandmotherly roles, has emerged as the most talked-about element of the teaser for O Romeo. 

The teaser of the Shahid Kapoor-led action drama dropped on January 10 and quickly went viral, not for its lead star, but for a surprising cuss word delivered by Jalal — a moment that shocked and amused audiences in equal measure.

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“Aap Gaali Dengi Na?”: The Conversation That Sparked It All

In an interview with Zoom, Farida Jalal revealed how the now-viral dialogue came about during her first meeting with director Vishal Bhardwaj. Sharing her admiration for his work, she recalled telling him that working with him was a long-held wish, ticking off yet another dream collaboration after Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Vishal, however, surprised her by bluntly asking if she would be willing to use abusive language in the film.

Initially taken aback, Jalal admitted she refused outright, clarifying that she would not use explicit or filthy abuses. She told Bhardwaj she could consider a mild, casual cuss word, but lines involving extreme profanity or references to “maa-behen” were out of the question. Vishal reportedly burst out laughing and immediately understood her boundaries.

Internet Reacts: Shock, Praise and Nostalgia

Once the teaser was released, social media erupted. Fans expressed disbelief at seeing their beloved “maa” or “dadi” figure uttering a cuss word on screen, while others praised Jalal for breaking stereotypes and embracing a bold character shift. The contrast between her long-established screen persona and her gritty role in O Romeo became a talking point, with many calling it the teaser’s most memorable moment.

Jalal later acknowledged the uproar, saying she had used the word only once in the entire film. She explained that the character is perpetually angry, and committing fully to the role meant embracing that temperament.

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About O Romeo

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, O Romeo marks Bhardwaj’s reunion with Shahid Kapoor after films like Kaminey, Haider and Rangoon. The ensemble cast also includes Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Disha Patani and Vikrant Massey. Set to release on February 13, 2026, the film promises a gritty, emotionally charged cinematic experience that audiences are already eager to witness.