Border 2: Sonu Nigam defends 'Sandese Aate Hain' revival, backs Javed Akhtar’s view while honouring legacy

When Border 2 stormed into theatres, it didn’t just bring back the thunder of war drama - it revived a melody that has long echoed in every Indian heart. Sonu Nigam returned to lend his voice to Sandese Aate Hain (Ghar Kab Aaoge), breathing new life into a song synonymous with sacrifice, longing, and patriotism.

Calling the film a tribute to the nation, Sonu dedicated the sequel to every Indian, sharing an emotional message with fans and reflecting on how deeply the franchise has shaped his journey.

Related Story: Border revisited as Border 2 begins its theatrical journey: The story behind ‘Sandese Aate Hain’ and its lasting legacy

Helmed by Anurag Singh and co-produced by JP Dutta with Nidhi Dutta, the film reunites Sunny Deol with fresh faces Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, positioning itself as a spiritual continuation of the 1997 classic.

Reigniting a Timeless Melody

The new version retains the soul of the original while adding contemporary layers. Sonu is joined by Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, and Vishal Singh, with additional lyrics penned by Manoj Muntashir - a blend of nostalgia and novelty meant to resonate across generations.

A song that speaks for every soldier and every family that waits! 💌#GharKabAaoge - live from the grand music celebration at INS Vikrant - out now.

🔗- https://t.co/jbkjB4yhvx

Advance Booking Open Now!
🔗- https://t.co/fMuP9ZRuHR#Border2 in cinemas worldwide tomorrow.… pic.twitter.com/8xuMajzWVi

— T-Series (@TSeries) January 22, 2026

Sonu’s Emotional Full Circle

Looking back, the singer grew visibly nostalgic as he shared, "I went to Border premiere for the first time in 1997. And now in 2026, I'm standing at the premiere of Border 2. I had never thought this beautiful journey would go on for so many years. You gave me so much love, and I'm thankful for that."

Also Read: Border 2’s new songs with classic soul: Anu Malik says, ‘Koi aur compose kar raha hai lekin gana toh mera…’

For Sonu, Border isn’t just cinema - it’s memory, history, and gratitude wrapped into music.

Stories Rooted in Reality

He emphasised the franchise’s authenticity, saying, "Border is a franchise that reveals true stories and not fiction. These are stories of our country and our soldiers, and stories of our victory. I'm sure you'd have high expectations for the film, and ofcourse you must have, since this is a one-of-its-kind franchise. Our producers, director, and actors have made it with a lot of dedication. We even paid attention to its music. The war that we won in reality many years ago, we will win again through Border 2."

Javed Akhtar’s Strong Stand

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar recently criticised the culture of recreating classics, describing it as "intellectual and creative bankruptcy."

He declined to pen fresh lyrics for the iconic track, believing that original art should remain untouched.

Respectful Yet Resolute

However, Sonu responded with humility rather than disagreement.

"Yes, Javed sir is absolutely right in saying that it is not good to bring back old songs. But if Border is a soldier, Sandese Aate Hain is his uniform. We can't imagine Border without the song. As Javed sir said, we must make new songs. He's our elder, our guru, and he'd be so happy to know that Mitte Ke Bete is the gift from Border 2 to our soldiers and every Indian," said Sonu.

Must Check: Border 2’s 'Ghar Kab Aaoge' launch: Sonu Nigam recalls how ‘Sandese Aate Hai’ transformed his career

It’s a delicate balance - honouring tradition while embracing reinvention. For fans, the song isn’t just background music; it’s the heartbeat of Border itself.