'Aap gaali dengi na?': How Farida Jalal agreed to viral cuss word in Shahid Kapoor's O’ Romeo?

Since the O’ Romeo teaser dropped, Farida Jalal’s viral cuss word has taken over the internet. In a new interview, the veteran actress reacts to the massive social media buzz around her dialogue.

Farida Jalal in O' Romeo

Farida Jalal, who has long been cherished for her warm and dignified on-screen presence, surprised everyone with an unexpected cuss word in the recently released O' Romeo teaser. The short dialogue quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion and intense reactions on social media. While viewers expressed surprise, joy and reminiscence in equal measure, the veteran actress has now responded to the reactions, opening up about why and how she agreed to the line.

How did Farida Jalal react to her O' Romeo cuss word?

Speaking to Times Now, Farida Jalal said that director Vishal Bhardwaj was on her list of favourite directors and she told him, "I ticked off one more director from my wish list, as I have been wanting to work with you.’ He said, ‘Farida Ji, sabse pehle ek baat poochni thi’, Maine kahan, haan poochiye?’ He asked, ‘Aap gaali dengi na?’”

She recalled being surprised by the question and admitted that for a moment, she wasn't sure how to answer. Farida, overwhelmed by the opportunity to work with a long-admired filmmaker, said she made it clear that, while she might agree with a mild, disparaging insult, she was also open to a few light insulting comments, but she would not feel comfortable using explicit or offensive language.

"All I said is nangi nangi, gandi gandi gaaliyan main nahin dungi. Chhoti wali, mamuli-si ho toh de sakti hu. Mere hisaab se zyada nangi, gandi nahi thi. Ma-behen toh nahin bolungi. He started laughing and understood where I came from," she said.

Is Farida Jalal bothered by the audience's reactions?

Farida Jalal noted that she only used the word once in the film, yet it generated widespread backlash online. She noted that many fans were surprised, saying things like, “Our beloved Dadi/Maa said this!”

"They have seen me since childhood and I have also stayed away from such dialogues, but it is okay. This is because the character speaks in a certain way. She is always in a temper. If you say yes to a role, you have to go all the way for it," she concluded.

Also Read: Is Vishal Bhardwaj-Shahid Kapoor's O'Romeo the revival of the shelved Irrfan Khan and Deepika Padukone's Sapna Didi biopic?

What's the story of O' Romeo?

O' Romeo, scheduled for a February 13, 2026, release, is an Indian romantic action-thriller by Vishal Bhardwaj, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, set in post-independence Mumbai's underworld. Reportedly, inspired by true events, it hints at themes of unexpected love, passion, and violence potentially involving real-life figures like Sapna Didi, with a cast including Farida Jalal, Nana Patekar, Disha Patani, and Vikrant Massey.

O' Romeo FAQs:

Q: Who has directed O' Romeo movie?

A: O' Romeo is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

Q: Is O’Romeo based on a true story?

A: Although promoted as a "Shakespearean crime saga," O’ Romeo takes inspiration from real-life incidents in Mumbai’s underworld during the 1980s and 90s. The story is loosely based on hitman Hussain Ustara (Shahid Kapoor) and his intricate alliance with Sapna Didi (Triptii Dimri) as they navigate their rivalry against Dawood Ibrahim.

Q: Who is playing Sapna Didi in O’Romeo?

A: Triptii Dimri plays Afsha, a character modeled on Rahima Khan, famously known as Sapna Didi. Interestingly, when the film was first announced in 2017, the role was reportedly slated for Deepika Padukone.

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