The Real Story of Hussain Ustara: The Blade-Wielding Gangster Who Dared to Challenge Dawood Ibrahim And Inspired Bollywood

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the 1980s and early 1990s, Hussain Ustara was one of the most feared names to emerge from Mumbai’s underworld. Known for his violent precision and cold resolve, Hussain Ustara was the rare rival to Dawood Ibrahim, a man whose dominance reshaped organised crime in India. What makes Hussain Ustara stand out from other gangsters of his time is not just his brutality but the mystery, myth, and unfinished revenge that surrounded his life.

What Was Hussain Ustara’s Real Name And Where Did He Come From?

Hussain Ustara was born as Hussain Sheikh in Mumbai. He grew up in neighbourhoods where crime was often seen as survival rather than choice. Like many young men of that era, he entered the underworld through street fights and protection rackets before gaining a reputation as a contract killer. His rise was swift, fuelled by fear and an image that unsettled even seasoned criminals.

How Did Hussain Sheikh Get The Nickname ‘Ustara’?

The name ‘Ustara’ did not come from folklore but from a real act of violence. As per crime writer S. Hussain Zaidi, people gave Hussain his nickname after a brutal fight where he attacked his enemies with a sharp blade, commonly referred to as an ustara or scalpel. The injury was so clean and deep that doctors reportedly struggled to understand how to treat it. This incident turned Hussain Sheikh into Hussain Ustara, a name that soon terrorised Mumbai’s streets.

Why Was Hussain Ustara A Rival To Dawood Ibrahim?

During Dawood Ibrahim’s rapid rise to power, very few dared to challenge him openly. Of course, Hussain Ustara was one of them. Their hatred was rooted in power struggles and conflicting loyalties within the underworld. Hussain used to operate independently, and he refused to submit to Dawood’s control. This resistance made Hussain Ustara both dangerous and relevant.

Who Was Sapna Didi And How Was She Connected To Hussain Ustara?

Born Ashraf Khan, Sapna Didi did not belong to the world of crime. But her life changed after Dawood Ibrahim's gang killed her husband, Mehmood Khan. Grief soon converted into anger, and she wanted revenge. Sapna Didi decided to transform herself into one of the most dangerous figures in Mumbai’s underworld. Hussain Ustara played an important role in her transformation. As per reports, he trained Sapna Didi in motorbike riding, physical combat, and the use of weapons. Together, they planned revenge that shook the underworld.

What Was Sapna Didi’s Most Daring Revenge Attempt?

As per reports, during a cricket match in Sharjah, Sapna Didi planned to assassinate Dawood Ibrahim but she failed. The aftermath was tragic, and Sapna Didi was brutally killed in 1994, bringing a violent end to a revenge story that had captured the imagination of both criminals and police officers. Her story remains one of the rare instances where a woman rose as a feared figure in organised crime.

How Has Hussain Ustara Been Documented In Crime Literature?

Much of what we know about Hussain Ustara comes from detailed crime reporting. S. Hussain Zaidi wrote about Hussain Ustara life in his acclaimed book 'Dongri to Dubai'. The book shows Hussain Ustara as the key players of Mumbai’s underworld, highlighting his rivalry with Dawood and his association with Sapna Didi as defining chapters of his life.

Why Is Hussain Ustara Back In The Spotlight Today?

Hussain Ustara’s story has resurfaced due to the Hindi film industry's renewed interest in real-life crime narratives. Actor Shahid Kapoor will soon be portraying a character named Ustara in the film O Romeo, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. While the film does not claim to be a direct biography, it is inspired by real events that mirror Hussain Ustara’s life.

What Is Shahid Kapoor’s Character In O Romeo All About?

In O Romeo, Shahid Kapoor plays a hitman known as Ustara who falls in love with Afsha, portrayed by Triptii Dimri. The character is pulled into a dangerous world of love, betrayal and revenge. His blood soaked presence and intense persona in the teaser have already drawn comparisons with the real life gangster Hussain Ustara.

How Close Is The Film’s Story To Real Events?

The similarities are hard to ignore—the names of the characters, the rivalry with the most dangerous crime mafias, and his connection to a woman driven by revenge strongly reflect the lives of Hussain Ustara and Sapna Didi. However, the filmmakers have denied any similarities. They have clarified that the film is a fictional narrative inspired by actual events, not a factual retelling.

When Is O Romeo Releasing And Who Is Producing It?

Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, O Romeo is scheduled to release on February 13, 2026.

What Makes Hussain Ustara’s Story Different From Other Gangsters?

Unlike many underworld figures who chased power alone, Hussain Ustara’s legacy is deeply tied to loyalty and vengeance. His alliance with Sapna Didi, his refusal to bow to Dawood Ibrahim and the myth surrounding his blade wielding precision set him apart. Even decades later, his story continues to inspire books, films and endless curiosity.