Farida Jalal breaks decades-old image with viral cuss word in o’romeo teaser, explains why she agreed to it

farida jalal in o romeo

• Farida Jalal's profane line in O'Romeo teaser goes viral, surprising fans
• Jalal discussed her decision to use mild cuss words after director's request
• O'Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor, releases February 13, 2026

Did our AI summary help?

Veteran Bollywood star Farida Jalal, long beloved for her warm, motherly portrayals, has become the unexpected focal point of O’Romeo’s promotional buzz after delivering a surprising profane line in the film’s teaser. The short preview of the Shahid Kapoor–led action drama dropped in early January and quickly went viral largely because of Jalal’s dialogue, which included a cuss word not typically associated with her dignified screen image.

In an interview with Zoom, following the teaser’s release, Jalal opened up about how the moment came to be. She recalled her initial conversation with director Vishal Bhardwaj, saying she had always admired his work and jumped at the opportunity to collaborate. She wrote, "Vishal Bhardwaj was on my list of favourite directors. I ticked off one more box after Sanjay Leela Bhansali. When he came to the house and sat across, I 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?'"

In the same conversation, she added, "Nahin rehne dijiye, chhod dijiye – aise toh main bolne wali nahin thi. This man, with whom I always wanted to work, sat across me. 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."

Social media exploded with reactions from fans and critics alike once the teaser circulated online. Viewers expressed a wide range of sentiments — from amused surprise and praise for the boldness of the moment to disbelief that a screen icon synonymous with loving grandmother and mother characters would utter strong language. Some users even joked about the contrast between her longtime on-screen persona and the gritty character she portrays in this film.

Also read: O’ Romeo makers served Rs 2 crore notice by Hussain Ustara’s daughter, asked to halt Shahid Kapoor film release

O’Romeo — directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala — is scheduled for a February 13, 2026 release. Alongside Shahid Kapoor and Farida Jalal, the ensemble includes Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey and others. The film’s teaser, with its gritty visuals and bold dialogue, has set the tone for what many expect will be a bold cinematic experience.