Border 2 Makers Respond to Javed Akhtar’s ‘Creative Bankruptcy’ Remark Over Sandese Aate Hain

The makers of the upcoming Bollywood war drama Border 2 have responded to comments made by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar , who recently declined to write songs for the film and described the growing trend of reworking old hits as a sign of “creative bankruptcy.” Akhtar’s remarks centred on the industry’s increasing reliance on nostalgia rather than creating fresh music, with specific reference to the reuse of the iconic 1997 song Sandese Aate Hain in the sequel.

Reacting to the criticism, producer Bhushan Kumar explained that certain elements from the original Border were considered essential to preserving the sequel’s identity - particularly the title, lead performances and the strong emotional association linked to Sandese Aate Hain. He stated that the makers consciously decided to retain the song in the Border 2 soundtrack due to its lasting impact and deep emotional connection with audiences.

However, Kumar clarified that the song’s inclusion does not amount to a direct recreation. The lyrics of Sandese Aate Hain have been rewritten to suit the narrative and characters of Border 2, which explores multiple personal stories of soldiers set against the backdrop of the 1971 war. To achieve this, lyricist Manoj Muntashir was brought on board to craft lyrics that reflect the film’s emotional depth while preserving the spirit of the original composition.

The reimagined track has been retitled Ghar Kab Aaoge, and the film’s music album features a powerful lineup of voices, including Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh and Vishal Mishra. The approach aims to blend the legacy of the original song with contemporary musical sensibilities. Another classic from the 1997 film, Ae Jaate Hue Lamhon, has also been reworked, with Vishal Mishra collaborating alongside original singer Roop Kumar Rathod.

Kumar emphasised that this creative choice reflects the film’s intention to honour the original while telling a new story, rather than attempting to replicate the 1997 film exactly. According to him, this approach aims to bridge nostalgia with fresh emotional beats that resonate with modern audiences as the sequel’s release approaches.

Javed Akhtar’s comments sparked a wider discussion within the industry on originality versus reinterpretation. He reportedly declined the offer to contribute to Border 2’s music, reiterating his belief that filmmakers should invest in new compositions instead of revisiting celebrated classics. His stance highlighted the ongoing debate about how Bollywood can respect its musical heritage while continuing to innovate.

Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh and starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, is slated for a theatrical release on January 23, 2026. With a mix of reimagined music and fresh storytelling, the makers are optimistic that the film will resonate with longtime fans of the original as well as a new generation of viewers.