"Song is in every Indian's DNA": Anu Malik on reimagination of 'Sandese Aate Hai' in Border 2

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 22 (ANI): As 'Border 2' prepares to hit theatres, music composer Anu Malik reflected on the journey and legacy of the original song 'Sandese Aate Hai', describing its reimagination as a moment of "strange happiness".
Nearly three decades after the song first featured in JP Dutta's 'Border' (1997), Malik said it has transcended cinema and become part of India's cherished memory. "This song is 28 or 29 years old, almost 30 now. This song is in every Indian's DNA," he told ANI.

Recalling the birth of 'Sandese Aate Hai', Malik revealed that the idea came from filmmaker JP Dutta's vision of creating a song that would last forever. "JP sir told me, 'Anu ji, I want a song that should go on forever,'" he recalled.
The breakthrough came when lyricist Javed Akhtar joined the process.
"The door was closed. Only JP sir and Javed sir were present, and I started composing. The rest is history," Malik shared.
He also shared memories of the recording process at the then-newly opened Sahara Studio, where the song was recorded at dawn with singers Sonu Nigam and Roop Kumar Rathod.
"They asked me to record separately, but I did not agree. I wanted to record both of them together. A lot of hard work went into it. The whole hall was filled with the chorus and the musicians. Today, when the song is coming again in the world, there is a strange happiness," he added.
According to Malik, the emotion of 'Sandese Aate Hai' lies in JP Dutta's deep understanding of the armed forces. "JP sir had told me the whole story about the soldiers and their sacrifice. His study was so strong about the army, navy, and air force. I got the inspiration, and Javed sir wrote an amazing song. He has written such a song that might not be written again," Anu Malik continued.
As the 'Ghar Kab Aaoge' gets reimagined for 'Border 2', Malik acknowledged the challenge of creating something so iconic. "It was a challenge for me. It was the biggest challenge. Making a new song is not an easy task. I made the song and worked hard," he said, offering his blessings to the new creative team.
Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh, will open in theatres on January 23. (ANI)