As Ahan Shetty steps into the cinematic battlefield with "Border 2," the son of veteran actor Suniel Shetty is carrying more than just a role; he's carrying a legacy. At the teaser launch event in Mumbai, Ahan shared the invaluable advice he received from his father, which has helped him prepare for the film: "Papa told me to be honest".
Ahan, who is returning to the big screen after a four-year hiatus since his debut in the 2021 film "Tadap," expressed his initial apprehension about joining such a massive project. "The first one or two days I was petrified on set. I mean, my hands were shaking like this," he confessed. However, the support from the cast, including Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan, along with the guidance of director Anurag Singh, helped him settle in.
Suniel Shetty, who starred in the original 1997 "Border," offered his son simple yet profound advice: "Just be honest, be yourself, and have fun". He also cautioned Ahan against comparing himself or the film to the original "Border," a classic in Indian cinema. "Don't think too much about what people have to say. And don't compare it to Border 1. That was the most important," Ahan revealed, echoing his father's words.
Ahan acknowledged the weight of expectations, stating, "There is a certain kind of pressure, but as they say, 'baap toh baap hota hai'". He humbly added, "If I can even be 10% of what my father was in that film, I think I will be able to do justice to the character".
"Border 2," directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J. P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, is slated for release on January 23, 2026, coinciding with India's Republic Day weekend. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh, alongside Ahan Shetty. The film also stars Sonam Bajwa, Mona Singh, and Medha Rana.
The teaser of "Border 2" was unveiled on Vijay Diwas, December 16, 2025, a day commemorating India's victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The film aims to recreate the patriotic fervor of the original, with Sunny Deol's character rallying his men with powerful war cries. Ahan Shetty is reportedly playing a key role in the Indian Navy, while Diljit Dosanjh will be seen as an Indian Air Force officer.
Suniel Shetty has been a strong pillar of support for his son, even cautioning those who might be conspiring against Ahan and attempting to remove him from films. He revealed that Ahan had let go of several opportunities to fully commit to "Border 2".
For Ahan Shetty, "Border 2" is more than just a film; it's a chance to carry forward his father's legacy and carve his own niche in the industry. With the blessings and guidance of his father, Ahan is ready to face the challenges and embrace the opportunity to showcase his talent in this epic war drama.
