Sonu Nigam Responds to Javed Akhtar’s ‘Creative Bankruptcy’ Remark on Border 2 Songs

As Border 2 gears up for its theatrical release, the focus isn’t only on tanks, trenches and patriotism but also on a song that shaped a generation.

The return of Sandese Aate Hain has revived the debate over nostalgia versus originality in Hindi cinema, drawing reactions from lyricist Javed Akhtar and original singer Sonu Nigam, who believes some melodies are inseparable from the stories they were born in.

Sonu Nigam on Javed Akhtar’s remarks

Sonu Nigam, who originally sang Sandese Aate Hain in the 1997 classic Border, has re-recorded the song for the sequel under a new title, Ghar Kab Aaoge. While the melody remains intact, the track features fresh lyrics written by Manoj Muntashir. The Border 2 soundtrack also includes vocals by Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh and Vishal Mishra.

Ahead of the film’s release, Sonu shared a video message on Instagram, dedicating Border 2 to the nation and reflecting on his long association with the franchise. “I went to the Border premiere for the first time in 1997. And now in 2026, I’m standing at the premiere of Border 2. I had never imagined this beautiful journey would continue for so many years,” he said.

Speaking about the responsibility of telling real stories, Sonu added, “Border is a franchise that reveals true stories, not fiction. These are stories of our country, our soldiers and our victory. The war that we won in reality many years ago, we will win again through Border 2.”

What Javed Akhtar said

The renewed attention on the song follows Javed Akhtar’s public criticism of the trend of remaking classic tracks, which he described as “intellectual and creative bankruptcy.” The veteran lyricist revealed that he declined to write new lyrics for Sandese Aate Hain in the sequel. Co-producer Bhushan Kumar later said the song’s presence was vital to the film’s emotional core.

Responding to Akhtar’s remarks, Sonu expressed deep respect for the lyricist while offering his perspective. “Javed sir is absolutely right when he says bringing back old songs is not ideal. But if Border is a soldier, Sandese Aate Hain is his uniform. We cannot imagine Border without it,” Sonu said. He also noted that Akhtar would appreciate Mitte Ke Bete, a new song from Border 2 that pays tribute to soldiers and the nation.

About Border 2

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 is a spiritual successor to J.P. Dutta’s iconic 1997 war film. The sequel stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty. J.P. Dutta returns as co-producer along with his daughter Nidhi Dutta, with the film aiming to retain the emotional weight of the original while presenting its story to a new generation.