Suniel Shetty, known for his roles in films like Dhadkan, Mohra, and Balwaan, initially declined the role of Bhairav Singh in JP Dutta’s war epic Border. In an interview with Radio Nasha, Shetty revealed that his decision was based on rumors surrounding the director's strict nature and volatile temper.
“I rejected the role because I had heard that JP Dutta was a very strict director, aur gaaliyan bhi de dete the if he got upset,” Shetty shared during the interview. He further added, “I myself was very hot-tempered. When JP ji came to meet me, I told him, ‘I’ll get back to you.’ I then told my secretary, ‘I won’t be able to do it, kyunki usne gaali de di toh main haath uthaa dunga.’”
“I don’t like to spoil relationships with anyone, so I thought, forget it. But JP ji was so adamant about casting me that he reached out to Bharat Shah, who knew my mother-in-law. So, through my mother-in-law, the film came back to me. She made me sit down and convinced me to do the film. I told her these are my conditions—and if any such situation arises, I’ll walk out.”
Once he joined the project, Shetty’s professional equation with Dutta turned into a close friendship. Their collaboration began on a high note and continued over several films. Recalling their journey, Shetty said that from the very first day, the two "hit off like fire" and emphasized the director's loyalty during tough phases of his career. He appreciated that Dutta cast him repeatedly without hesitation, even when his career wasn’t at its peak.
Legacy of Border and Upcoming Sequel
Released in 1997, Border was written, produced, and directed by JP Dutta. The film, set during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, focused on the Battle of Longewala and starred Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, Sudesh Berry, and Puneet Issar. Supporting actors included Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Tabu, Raakhee, Pooja Bhatt, and Sharbani Mukherjee.
The film was a massive box office success and remains one of Indian cinema’s iconic war dramas. JP Dutta considered Border his dream project, and it received wide acclaim for its patriotic themes and ensemble cast.
Following its legacy, Border 2 is currently in development. The sequel will be directed by Anurag Singh and backed by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. The new cast includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and initially, Diljit Dosanjh—though reports suggest Dosanjh has exited the project. The film is slated for theatrical release on January 23, 2026.
“I rejected the role because I had heard that JP Dutta was a very strict director, aur gaaliyan bhi de dete the if he got upset,” Shetty shared during the interview. He further added, “I myself was very hot-tempered. When JP ji came to meet me, I told him, ‘I’ll get back to you.’ I then told my secretary, ‘I won’t be able to do it, kyunki usne gaali de di toh main haath uthaa dunga.’”
How JP Dutta Brought Shetty Back
Despite Shetty's refusal, JP Dutta remained firm in his desire to cast him. According to Shetty, the filmmaker reached out to Bharat Shah, who had a personal connection to Shetty’s family through his mother-in-law. It was this link that turned the situation around.“I don’t like to spoil relationships with anyone, so I thought, forget it. But JP ji was so adamant about casting me that he reached out to Bharat Shah, who knew my mother-in-law. So, through my mother-in-law, the film came back to me. She made me sit down and convinced me to do the film. I told her these are my conditions—and if any such situation arises, I’ll walk out.”
Once he joined the project, Shetty’s professional equation with Dutta turned into a close friendship. Their collaboration began on a high note and continued over several films. Recalling their journey, Shetty said that from the very first day, the two "hit off like fire" and emphasized the director's loyalty during tough phases of his career. He appreciated that Dutta cast him repeatedly without hesitation, even when his career wasn’t at its peak.
Legacy of Border and Upcoming Sequel
Released in 1997, Border was written, produced, and directed by JP Dutta. The film, set during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, focused on the Battle of Longewala and starred Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, Sudesh Berry, and Puneet Issar. Supporting actors included Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Tabu, Raakhee, Pooja Bhatt, and Sharbani Mukherjee.The film was a massive box office success and remains one of Indian cinema’s iconic war dramas. JP Dutta considered Border his dream project, and it received wide acclaim for its patriotic themes and ensemble cast.
Following its legacy, Border 2 is currently in development. The sequel will be directed by Anurag Singh and backed by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. The new cast includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and initially, Diljit Dosanjh—though reports suggest Dosanjh has exited the project. The film is slated for theatrical release on January 23, 2026.
