Javed Akhtar Reveals Why He Refused To Write For Border 2

Legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar has criticized the makers of the upcoming war epic Border 2, labeling the decision to rework his original 1997 songs as a sign of “intellectual and creative bankruptcy.”

In a recent interview, Akhtar revealed that while he was approached to write for the sequel, he chose to walk away rather than participate in the current trend of musical remakes.

“Make New Songs”: Javed Akhtar’s Critique

Akhtar expressed his disappointment with the industry’s reliance on past glory, arguing that a new film deserves its own original identity.

On “Creative Bankruptcy”: Akhtar stated, “You have an old song, which did well, and you want to put it out again by adding something? Make new songs or else accept that you cannot do the same level of work.”
The Haqeeqat Example: He drew a parallel to the original Border (1997). He noted that while the 1964 film Haqeeqat had legendary tracks like “Kar Chale Hum Fida,” he and composer Anu Malik chose to create entirely new poetry (“Sandese Aate Hain”) instead of borrowing from the past.
On “New Nostalgia”: When asked if remakes help target nostalgia for marketing, he replied sharply: “You create new nostalgia then.”

The Controversy: Ghar Kab Aaoge

The backlash follows the release of “Ghar Kab Aaoge,” a reimagined version of the iconic “Sandese Aate Hain.”

The New Team: While Sonu Nigam returns for the vocals, he is joined by Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, and Vishal Mishra. The lyrics feature additions by Manoj Muntashir Shukla, with Mithoon handling the new composition.
Public Reaction: The song has divided fans. While many appreciate the modern production, others have trolled the “unserious” facial expressions of lead actor Varun Dhawan in the music video, leading producer Nidhi Dutta to defend the film against what she termed “anti-national” paid campaigns.

About Border 2

Despite the musical row, Border 2 remains the most anticipated release of the year.

Category	Details
Release Date	January 23, 2026 (Republic Day Weekend)
Director	Anurag Singh (Kesari)
Lead Cast	Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty
Plot	Inspired by the 1971 India-Pakistan War, focusing on the Army, Navy, and Air Force.