The teaser, released earlier this week, sparked widespread discussion after Jalal appeared in an uncharacteristic role, using an abusive expression rarely associated with her screen persona. Speaking to Zoom in a recent interview, the actor said her acceptance of the role was driven largely by her admiration for Bhardwaj, whom she described as one of her favourite filmmakers.
Jalal recalled that Bhardwaj personally visited her home to discuss the role and raised the issue directly. “He asked me whether I would be comfortable using a cuss word in the film,” she said. “I was taken aback. Working with him had always been a dream, and suddenly he was sitting in front of me offering this role.”
She said she made her position clear during the discussion. While she was open to using mild language if required by the script, she was unwilling to use explicit or vulgar abuses. “I told him I cannot abuse mothers or sisters. If it is something small and not obscene, I can say it,” Jalal said, adding that the director and his team understood and respected her limits.
The actor also responded to the strong reactions on social media, where many viewers expressed surprise at seeing her in such a role. “People are saying their grandmother or mother has started abusing,” she said. “They have grown up watching me in dignified roles, and I understand the shock. But the character I play is perpetually angry. Once you accept a character, you have to live it honestly.”
Jalal emphasised that the contentious word appears only once in the film, but acknowledged that it has generated disproportionate attention. “I said it just once, and look at the uproar,” she remarked.
O Romeo is scheduled for release on February 13 and marks the first collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and producer Sajid Nadiadwala. The film reunites Bhardwaj with Shahid Kapoor after eight years and features an ensemble cast including Nana Patekar, Vikrant Massey, Avinash Tiwary, Triptii Dimri, Disha Patani, Tamannaah Bhatia and Farida Jalal.
As anticipation builds, Jalal’s comments have added context to a moment that has already become one of the teaser’s most talked-about elements.
