Veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, who played a memorable role in the 1997 war epic Border, has finally broken his silence on not being part of the upcoming sequel, Border 2. In a recent interview, the actor offered a nuanced and heartfelt response when asked whether he regrets not being involved in the second installment of the iconic franchise.
Suniel admitted that his feelings about the matter are mixed, describing them as both “yes and no.” He elaborated that while there’s certainly a sense of longing and nostalgia tied to his original role, he also believes that the industry and its stories are constantly evolving — and sometimes, that means moving on.
“It’s not just a simple yes or no answer,” Suniel explained. “Of course, I feel deeply connected to Border — it was one of the most significant films of my career. It wasn’t just a movie; it was a tribute to our armed forces, and being part of something like that was incredibly emotional and powerful. Naturally, there’s a part of me that wishes I could be part of that legacy again in Border 2.”
However, the actor also added a note of perspective, saying that he understands the need for filmmakers to introduce new faces, fresh energy, and different narratives to keep the franchise relevant to a new generation of viewers. “Cinema is a constantly shifting space,” he said. “Maybe Border 2 is telling a new story, from a new perspective, and it requires a different cast to do that justice. And I absolutely respect that.”
The original Border, directed by J.P. Dutta, was based on the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and featured an ensemble cast that included Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, and of course, Suniel Shetty. The film remains one of the most revered war dramas in Indian cinema, known for its patriotic fervor and emotional depth.
Suniel acknowledged that the bond he shares with the Border team and his memories from that time are irreplaceable. “What we created with Border was timeless. And nothing can take that away. I carry that pride with me every single day,” he said.
He also expressed his good wishes for the team behind Border 2, saying he hopes the film does justice to the legacy of the original while creating a new impact for younger audiences. “I genuinely hope it resonates with the same spirit, the same love for the nation. That’s what really matters,” he added.
While fans of the actor may feel a tinge of disappointment at his absence from the sequel, Suniel Shetty’s dignified and mature response reflects his deep understanding of the industry and his continued respect for storytelling — even if he’s not in the spotlight this time.
His words echo the sentiments of many artists who know that while every role can’t be theirs, the impact they leave behind in iconic films like Border is eternal.
