Ahan Shetty To NDTV On The <i>Border</i> Scene That Made Him Angry As A Child

Rising star Ahan Shetty is currently basking in the immense success of Border 2, a highly anticipated standalone sequel to J.P. Dutta’s iconic 1997 war classic, Border. The original cinematic masterpiece, etched into the hearts of millions, notably featured Ahan's father, the veteran actor Suniel Shetty, in the memorable role of Bhairon Singh Rathore, a character whose valor resonated deeply with audiences for decades.

Helmed by the acclaimed director Anurag Singh, Border 2 not only brings back the formidable Sunny Deol, reprising his legendary role, but also introduces a fresh wave of talent with actors like Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh joining the ensemble. Ahan Shetty steps into the shoes of Mahendra Singh Rawat, an Indian Navy officer from the distinguished 14th Frigate Squadron, contributing to the film's compelling narrative.

Amidst the overwhelming positive reception for the film, the actor recently opened up in an exclusive conversation, reflecting on his profound and long-standing connection with the original Border. "I was incredibly young when I first experienced the film," Shetty shared, recalling his early memories. "It was when I was about four years old that I truly began to grasp its significance. From that point onward, it became a cherished annual ritual for me to watch it on television every Republic Day or Independence Day. That film has always held an incredibly special place in my heart."

Shetty also delved into a poignant memory from his childhood, recounting how the legendary tank sequence from the original Border, depicting his father Suniel Shetty's character’s martyrdom, evoked a powerful sense of anger within him as a young boy. He explained, "As a son, I genuinely felt a deep sense of anger and profound pain witnessing my father's character being martyred on screen. However, as an aspiring actor, that very scene became a source of immense inspiration. It fueled my desire to infuse the same level of truthfulness and raw honesty that my father brought to that iconic moment into my own performances."

Discussing the enthusiastic reception that Border 2 has been garnering from critics and audiences alike, Ahan Shetty expressed his heartfelt sentiments. "To be completely honest, it all feels incredibly weighty, yet in the most wonderfully fulfilling way," he elaborated. "My heart feels overflowing with gratitude and joy. When audiences not only connect with a film but truly embrace it and make it their own, it signifies that every single ounce of hard work and dedication has unequivocally paid off. This triumph is not merely my personal success; it is a collective victory for the entire team. Every actor, every technician, has poured their heart and soul into this project with unwavering commitment."

When questioned about the precise moment he sensed that the film was destined for success, Ahan recounted a pivotal experience. "I had the opportunity to watch the film for the very first time on a Friday," he revealed. "As the screening concluded and we stepped out, the initial first-day box office numbers were already available and right before our eyes. In that instant, a profound sense of relief washed over me, making me realize I shouldn't have been so anxious. The film had genuinely turned out exceptionally well and was resonating deeply with the audience. I immediately connected with my family to share the wonderful news."

The release of Border 2 was undoubtedly an emotional milestone for the entire Shetty household. When probed about who amongst his family members displayed the most emotion during this significant period, Ahan shared an intimate glimpse. "My mother was incredibly emotional," he recounted with affection. "Both my father and my sister, Athiya, were understandably very nervous, choosing to remain outside the screening hall. When I finally reunited with them after the film had ended, I could see Dad making a valiant effort to compose himself, but his profound emotions were undeniably palpable. Athiya, too, became quite overwhelmed and emotional."

Asked to identify his favourite scene from the film, Ahan thoughtfully highlighted some of the earlier, lighter moments. "The punishment scenes featured in the first half of the film – particularly those involving myself, Diljit, and Varun – truly stand out," he noted. "While we were in the midst of shooting them, we didn't fully comprehend just how enjoyable and humorous they would ultimately turn out. It was only after witnessing the audience's uproarious reactions that we truly understood their comedic impact."

However, the film also contained scenes that profoundly impacted him on a much deeper, emotional level. "The 'letters scene' is exceptionally impactful and moving," Ahan confessed. "Diljit sir's martyrdom scene, despite my knowing the narrative progression, still brought tears to my eyes as I watched it unfold on screen. And towards the end, when the entire cast gathers together with the powerful anthem 'Teri Mitti' playing in the background, that particular moment also carries an immense emotional weight."

Reflecting on the most special audience reaction he experienced post-release, Ahan vividly recalled a memorable moment in a packed theatre. "The incredible audience reaction at Gaiety Galaxy cinema, witnessing that electrifying atmosphere alongside Sunny sir, was an absolutely monumental experience for me," he recollected with evident joy. "That outpouring of love and sheer energy is something I will genuinely never forget."

Watching himself on the grand screen and hearing the thunderous applause from the audience was not an easy experience either for the young actor. Ahan candidly admitted, "It felt a bit surreal and immensely emotional all at once. I tend to be quite critical of my own performances, so I often feel a considerable amount of nervousness while watching my scenes. This film marked my return to the big screen after a hiatus of four years, which naturally heightened my sense of responsibility. But seeing the immense love and appreciation from the audience in the theatre truly brought tears to my eyes."

Before his compelling performance in Border 2, Ahan Shetty made his significant Bollywood debut in the 2021 film Tadap, a romantic action drama that also starred Tara Sutaria and was directed by Milan Luthria. The gap between his debut and his recent success was not without its challenges.

Between his first film, Tadap, and the blockbuster success of Border 2, Ahan Shetty navigated a particularly trying period in his burgeoning career. "That particular phase was far from easy," he revealed openly. "I found myself unable to take on work, primarily due to being bound by a contract, and this challenging period also coincided with the global COVID-19 pandemic. While I wouldn't necessarily label it as a 'struggle,' it was undeniably a difficult and testing time for me. However, now, looking back, it genuinely feels as though I have successfully emerged from that challenging phase."

Looking ahead, Ahan Shetty's professional calendar appears to be brimming with exciting projects. "I have already signed on for three new films," he confirmed with enthusiasm. "One project is with the acclaimed director Shaad Ali, another is under the banner of a major production house, and the third is an intriguing horror film. The commencement of shooting for these projects is slated for 2026, with their anticipated release dates falling in late 2026 or extending into 2027." This promising slate indicates a bright and busy future for the talented actor, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the industry.