Mumbai’s film scene is buzzing with anticipation for Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming romantic drama ‘O Romeo’, starring Shahid Kapoor in the lead. The director recently opened up about his bold casting choice of veteran actress Farida Jalal, attributing it to his firm belief in women’s superior strength.
In an exclusive chat, Bhardwaj declared, ‘Women are far stronger than men. Men need someone to lean on when they cry, but women handle everything alone.’ He drew from personal childhood memories to illustrate his point, recounting how his aunt and grandmother commanded respect in their neighborhood. ‘The local boys would make a racket outside at night, but one scolding from my aunt, and the whole gang would scatter in fear,’ he shared with a nostalgic smile.
Explaining the role, Bhardwaj revealed he initially warned Farida Jalal about the character’s unconventional language. ‘She accepted it without hesitation,’ he said. In the story, Shahid’s tough character terrifies everyone, yet his grandmother reins him in effortlessly. Farida Jalal brings authenticity and fervor to this powerful matriarch.
Bhardwaj defended the film’s gritty elements, calling it a true love story that mirrors society. ‘We tolerate street abuses silently but object to them in cinema. Movies are society’s mirror, reflecting our raw realities,’ he asserted. Packed with a stellar cast including Nana Patekar, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Aruna Irani, and Avinash Tiwari alongside Tripti Dimri, ‘O Romeo’ promises to captivate audiences soon in theaters.