Sunny Deol’s Border legacy continues as Varun Dhawan receives praise from Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya’s wife, watch

When Border released in 1997, it instantly carved its place as one of Indian cinema’s most powerful war films. Directed by JP Dutta and headlined by Sunny Deol alongside Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, and Jackie Shroff, the film recreated the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India-Pakistan war with stirring patriotism and emotional depth.

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The True Story Behind Border (1997)

What elevated Border beyond a conventional war drama was its deeply personal origin. The film was inspired by JP Dutta’s brother, Squadron Leader Deepak Dutta, who actively fought in the Longewala battle. It was his firsthand narration of the conflict that formed the backbone of the story. However, due to government restrictions that prevent the documentation of wars for 25 years, JP Dutta had to wait until 1996 before bringing the story to the screen.

Longewala and the Power of the Indian Air Force

Although Border highlighted the fearless stand of Indian infantrymen at the Longewala post, the real-life outcome of the battle owed much to the Indian Air Force. As Pakistani tanks pushed forward across the desert, IAF pilots launched swift and precise air strikes using Hunter aircraft, dismantling enemy regiments and altering the course of the battle.

The dramatic arrival of air support in the film was a symbolic salute to pilots like Squadron Leader Deepak Dutta. His service to the nation continued long after 1971, until he made the ultimate sacrifice in 1987.

Through Border, JP Dutta immortalised not just the soldiers on the ground but also the silent protectors of the sky.

A New Generation Steps In With Border 2

Decades later, the spirit of Border finds new expression in Border 2. Apart from Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan plays a key role in the sequel. Dhawan portrays Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, a Param Vir Chakra awardee who displayed extraordinary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.

Ahead of the film’s release, a moving moment surfaced online. At a pre-release event, Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya’s wife warmly blessed Dhawan and praised his performance, saying, "Tumne bahot badhiya kiya hai. Bahot badhiya, shabbash! Film bahot achi chalegi (You have done a great job, Very good, bravo! Film is going to do really well)."

The actor responded with humility, bending down to thank her for the heartfelt blessing.

#VarunDhawan meets Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya’s Family during promotions !!#Border2#SunnyDeolpic.twitter.com/NhIbVexVQF

— DR.BUNNY (@BunnyBhediya) January 10, 2026

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh. The war drama is scheduled to release in theatres on January 23, 2026.

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From the real-life heroism of Squadron Leader Deepak Dutta to the legacy of Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, the Border films continue to bridge history and cinema, ensuring that stories of sacrifice and valor are never forgotten.