Diljit shared the anecdote in a 58-second video posted on Instagram, recalling his childhood in Punjab. He said that while many friends from his village travelled to the city to watch Border in theatres, financial constraints kept him away. He eventually watched the film on a VCR, an experience that left a lasting impression on him and shaped his understanding of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers.
The actor noted that Border was among the first films that introduced him to the realities of military life. With a maternal uncle who served in the armed forces, Diljit said his respect for soldiers was ingrained from an early age. He described being part of Border 2 as a “dream come true,” adding that the sense of patriotism he felt as a child remains unchanged today.
Currently shooting for the film, Diljit also shared memories linked to his personal life. While travelling in a state roadways bus during the shoot, he was reminded of his father, who worked in the Roadways department. The moment, he said, strengthened his emotional connection to the project.
Diljit admitted that he agreed to the film without even hearing the script. “Border is not just a film, it is an emotion,” he said, explaining that the opportunity to portray a real-life war hero from Punjab was reason enough to say yes. He also spoke about his admiration for Sunny Deol, calling it a “fan moment” to share screen space with the actor he grew up watching.
In Border 2, Diljit plays Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, the Indian Air Force’s only Param Vir Chakra awardee. Sekhon, a native of Isewal village in Ludhiana, was martyred during the 1971 India-Pakistan war after single-handedly shooting down two enemy aircraft while defending Srinagar airbase.
The film brings together stories of valour from all three armed forces. Sunny Deol essays Lieutenant Colonel Fateh Singh Kaler of the 6th Sikh Regiment, Varun Dhawan plays Param Vir Chakra recipient Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, and Ahan Shetty portrays naval officer Lieutenant Commander MS Rawat of INS Khukri.
Scheduled for release on January 23, Border 2 aims to revisit the legacy of the original while introducing a new generation to real-life tales of courage and sacrifice.
