O Romeo: DYK Kartik Aaryan Rejected Shahid Kapoor's Role In Vishal Bhardwaj Gangster Drama?

Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’ Romeo teaser has intrigued cinema buffs. Touted to be inspired by Hussain Ustara and Sapna Didi’s story, the film stars Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Farida Jalal, Nana Patekar, Avinash

Tiwary, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia and Disha Patani. The cast of the gangster drama promises a gritty entertainer with some memorable characters. O’ Romeo was initially titled Arjun Ustara. The film reunites Shahid and Vishal after Kaminey, Haider and Rangoon. But did you know he wasn’t the first choice for the role? Before Kapoor came on board and the cast got locked, the script went to one of the current Bollywood sensations.

Kartik Aaryan offered O' Romeo before Shahid Kapoor

As per reports, Kartik Aaryan had signed his first Vishal Bhardwaj film. Back in 2024, rumours were afloat that the director offered the role inspired by Hussain Ustara to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 star. However, after initial discussions and knowing the subject, Kartik politely turned it down. Vishal went to his favourite actor, Shahid, for the titular role. According to reports, Kartik rejected O’ Romeo because he did not want to play an anti-hero early in his career. He explored the grey space with Freddy (2022).

Shahid Kapoor on O' Romeo

In a previous interview with IANS, Shahid spoke about O’ Romeo and said, "It's got a stellar cast. It's got me, it's got Triptii, it's got Nana sir, it's got Vikrant Massey, who's in a special appearance. And I have thoroughly enjoyed the work of all these people. And I'm very excited to collaborate and work with all of them."He added, "It's a gangster film based in the 90s. At heart, it's a love story, but it's full of action and gangsters. So hopefully that'll be appealing to a wide section of the audience because we want a wide section of the audience to see the film."Set against the backdrop of unrequited love, O’Romeo explores passion, pain, and the irreversible consequences of love denied. The film also Aruna Irani. Sajid Nadiadwala is the producer. It releases on February 13.