Actor Ahan Shetty has opened up about his heartfelt bond with Border 2 co-star Sunny Deol, calling the Bollywood icon a “father figure” who guided and inspired him throughout the making of the much-awaited war epic. In a recent interaction, Ahan shared how Sunny’s warmth, encouragement, and acceptance left a deep emotional impact on him, making the experience more meaningful than just another film project.
Set to appear alongside Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh in Border 2, Ahan revealed that his respect for Sunny comes not only from working together but also from the immense admiration his own father, actor Suniel Shetty, holds for the veteran star. Speaking fondly, Ahan said that at home, his father refers to Sunny Deol as “Sunny Paa,” a term that reflects their close bond and mutual respect. Naturally, this reverence has been passed down to him as well.
Ahan shared that Sunny’s acceptance of him as part of the Border legacy meant a great deal. He described Sunny as a strong pillar of the film, while he, Varun, and Diljit form the supporting force around him. For a young actor stepping into such an iconic franchise, receiving encouragement from the man who defined the original Border was both emotional and motivating. Ahan admitted that Sunny constantly pushed him to perform better, offering guidance that went beyond acting and touched him on a personal level.
The actor also took a trip down memory lane, recalling how the 1997 blockbuster Border shaped his childhood dreams. He said he was very young when the film released, but it left such a powerful impression that he developed a deep love for the Indian Army. For a long time, Ahan dreamed of becoming a soldier. However, his path changed when he discovered theatre during school days, igniting his passion for acting. He now believes that his journey toward becoming an actor truly began with Border.
Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh, is inspired by true events from the 1971 India-Pakistan War and promises a grand cinematic tribute to bravery and patriotism. The sequel brings Sunny Deol back in the lead, with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty joining the mission. Produced by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with JP Dutta’s JP Films, the film aims to continue the legacy of the original cult classic.
Border 2 is set to storm theatres on January 23, 2026, carrying forward a story of courage, sacrifice, and national pride — now with a new generation stepping into the battlefield under Sunny Deol’s guiding presence.