For Suniel Shetty, Border has never been just a film it has been an emotion, a responsibility, and a lifelong bond with the Indian armed forces. Decades after he donned the uniform in J.P. Dutta’s iconic war drama, destiny has come full circle. This time, it is his son Ahan Shetty who is carrying that legacy forward in Border 2 and even becoming part of the film’s legendary song “Ae Jaate Hue Lamhon.”
Speaking about the moment, an emotional Suniel Shetty said the song holds immeasurable personal value for him.“For me, this song means everything. Roop ji had sung it for me in the film. It was an iconic song, and today my son is a part of the same song.”
Suniel Shetty highlighted how special Border 2 is for Ahan, especially because it is only his second film.“This is only his second film, and getting a film of this magnitude is a huge responsibility. In his very second film, he gets the opportunity to play a naval officer and probably one of the first naval officers shown on Indian cinema and on screen. I feel blessed. It’s beautiful.”
He further added, “When Ahan was doing this film, I told him it’s not just about wearing the uniform. Remember this: if India is known today for progress, then India is also known for courage. And that courage is given to us by our officers The only thing I said was — whatever you do, do it with your heart.”
Suniel Shetty didn’t shy away from acknowledging the trust placed in his son by the makers of the film. “That’s why I will always be indebted to Nidhi Dutta. Writing this film and thinking of Ahaan for it, and casting him in such a big project that itself is a very big thing.”
He also credited producer Bhushan Kumar for making the ambitious project possible within challenging timelines and circumstances. “If this film has been made in the given time and circumstances, hats off to them.”
Reflecting on the original Border, Suniel Shetty admitted that when he was first chosen for the role, he was filled with fear. “When I was selected for the film for the first time, I was scared. I wondered whether I would be able to play this character, because playing a reel-life character is easy but portraying a real-life character is very difficult.” He credited late filmmaker J.P. Dutta for guiding the cast and shaping the film into what it became. “Thanks to JP ji and the entire film even today, if Border has been made again, it is because of JP ji’s daughter Nidhi Dutta, who has written the script.”
With Border 2, Suniel Shetty is not just witnessing a sequel ,he is watching a legacy pass from one generation to the next. From being the face of “Ae Jaate Hue Lamhon” to seeing Ahaan become part of the same emotional fabric, the moment is deeply personal.