Sonu Nigam Defends Recreated ‘Sandese Aate Hain’ Amid Javed Akhtar Criticism Over Border 2 Music

Singer Sonu Nigam has responded to veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar’s recent remarks criticising the music choices for the much-anticipated war drama Border 2, insisting the iconic song Sandese Aate Hain remains an indispensable part of the film’s identity.

Akhtar had described the decision to revive classic tracks for the sequel as a sign of “creative bankruptcy,” expressing his belief that filmmakers should strive for original compositions rather than rework beloved songs from the 1997 original. He also revealed he was approached to contribute to the new soundtrack but declined.

In response, Nigam ,who originally sang Sandese Aate Hain and returns to the new version alongside Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh and Vishal Mishra with updated lyrics by Manoj Muntashir ,took to social media to address the debate. Calling the song integral to Border’s spirit, he said, “If Border is a soldier, Sandese Aate Hain is his uniform,” stressing that the track is deeply tied to how audiences emotionally connect with the film.

While acknowledging Akhtar’s viewpoint, Nigam emphasised respect for the veteran lyricist and the enduring emotional resonance of the song among fans, framing the recreation not just as nostalgia but as a tribute that complements the sequel’s narrative.

Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, premiered on January 23. The controversy highlights a larger conversation in Bollywood about balancing legacy and innovation when revisiting iconic films and music for modern audiences.