Dharmendra Inspired Border! Sunny Deol Reveals Father Was Reason Behind Iconic Film

The countdown to Border 2 has officially begun, and excitement around the much-awaited war drama is soaring. Starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, the film is slated for a grand

theatrical release on January 23, 2026. Ahead of its release, the makers unveiled the reimagined version of the iconic song Ghar Kab Aaoge at a special event held in Longewala-Tanot, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on January 2. The song is a recreated version of the legendary Sandese Aate Hain, which first touched hearts nearly three decades ago. The revamped track features voices of Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, Vishal Mishra and Diljit Dosanjh, with original music by Anu Malik, re-arranged by Mithoon, and lyrics penned by Manoj Muntashir Shukla. During the event, Sunny Deol made an emotional revelation.

Sunny Deol was inspired by father Dharmendra

During the event, Sunny Deol addressed the soldiers present and expressed his deep emotional bond with the Indian army. He said, “Pehle aap sab ko namaskar. Kaise hain aap log? Main aapke parivar ka hissa hi hoon, jabse maine Border ki hai.” (First of all, my greetings to all of you. How are you all? I have been a part of your family ever since I did Border.)

The actor then fondly remembered his late father, legendary star Dharmendra, and revealed that it was his father’s work that inspired him to take up Border. The actor stated, “Maine Border ki kyunki jab maine papa ki film Haqeeqat dekhi thi, wo mujhe bohot pyari lagi thi aur main tab bohot chhota tha. Jab main actor bana, maine tay kiya man bhi papa jaisi film karunga.”(I did Border because when I watched my father’s film Haqeeqat, I loved it deeply and I was very young at the time. When I became an actor, I decided that I too would do a film like my father.)He added that he discussed the idea with filmmaker JP Dutta, which eventually led to the iconic war drama. “JP Dutta sahab ke saath maine baat ki aur hum dono ne decide kiya ki hum Longewala waale subject banayenge, jo bohot hi pyara hai. Jo aap sab ke dilon me basa hua hai.” (I spoke to JP Dutta sir, and we both decided to make a film on the Longewala subject, which is very dear and lives in all your hearts.)

Sunny Deol on the impact that Border had on Indian youth

Reflecting on the lasting impact of Border, Sunny Deol spoke about how the film inspired countless youngsters to join the Indian Army. “Aur jab bhi main jahaan bhi jata hoon, kitne fauji jab bhi milte hain mujhe, yahi kehte hain mujhe ki humne aap ki picture dekhne ke baad tay kiya ki hum bhi fauj me jayenge.” (Wherever I go, many soldiers tell me that after watching my film, they decided to join the army.)Watch the video here:

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As Border 2 gears up for its theatrical release, Sunny Deol’s emotional revelation tells us more about the influence of his father Dharmendra and the legacy of Border - a film driven by patriotism, inspiration and immense respect for the Indian armed forces.