Border 2: Suniel Shetty’s simple advice that guided son Ahan Shetty into the sequel

Sunny Deol’s return to the battlefield with Border 2 has stirred powerful nostalgia among cinema lovers. The sequel to JP Dutta’s 1997 classic Border reconnects audiences with a film that defined an era of war dramas and featured stalwarts like Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff and Akshaye Khanna.

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As excitement builds, attention has also shifted to Ahan Shetty, who marks his comeback after a four-year hiatus. At the teaser launch of Border 2, Ahan spoke candidly about stepping into the uniform- and the words of wisdom he carried from his father, Suniel Shetty, who was an integral part of the original film.

‘Stay honest, stay grounded’: Suniel Shetty’s Words of Wisdom

Addressing the media at the Mumbai event, Ahan revealed that his father’s advice helped him stay calm amid the pressure of being associated with such a celebrated legacy.

“Papa told me to be honest, enjoy the process and not compare the film to the iconic Border,” Ahan shared. 

Furrher, he added, “Just be yourself, don’t think too much about what people say, and don’t compare it to Border 1. That was the most important.”

Training the body, trusting the process Playing a soldier demanded physical discipline, but Ahan emphasised that sincerity mattered more than appearances.

“Obviously, physicality-wise I had to change a bit. But again, like Papa said, just be honest… go out there, enjoy yourself.”

A Nervous Return After Four Years

The actor also admitted that returning to the set after Tadap (2021) wasn’t easy. Surrounded by senior actors and a large-scale production, the initial days were overwhelming.

“My hands were shaking. Having been away from the screen since Tadap in 2021, it was a long gap. To be on set with Varun (Dhawan) and Sunny sir (Deol). To learn from them, to have the support of the producers and a director like Anurag sir… it was a blessing in disguise,” said Ahan.

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All About Border 2

The teaser launch saw Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty alongside the film’s makers. Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 is produced by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta. The war drama also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Medha Rana, Mona Singh, Anya Singh and Sonam Bajwa, and is slated for a theatrical release on 23 January 2026.