Javed Akhtar Explains Why He Refused To Write Songs For Border 2

Border 2, the sequel to the 1997 war classic Border, has begun drawing attention even before its release, largely because of its music. Recreated versions of iconic songs like “Ghar Kab Aayoge” and “Aye Jaate Hue Lamhon” have sparked heated debate online. While some listeners welcomed the new arrangements, many long-time fans felt the originals’ emotional depth had been diluted.

Amid the discussion, lyricist Javed Akhtar revealed that T-Series and JP Films had approached him to add new lyrics to songs in Border 2, including “Ghar Kab Aaoge” and “Jaate Hue Lamho”. Akhtar said he declined the offer, calling the trend of revisiting popular songs “intellectual and creative bankruptcy”. Questioning the need to rework old material, he remarked that filmmakers should either create new songs or accept that recreating the same magic is often impossible. According to him, repeatedly returning to past successes reflects a lack of creative confidence.

However, Akhtar’s stance has also drawn attention to his own past work. He had earlier written additional lyrics for classic songs such as “Khaike Paan Banaraswala”, “Yeh Mera Dil”, and “Main Hoon Don” for his son Farhan Akhtar’s 2006 remake of the 1978 film Don.

“Ghar Kab Aayoge,” one of the most talked-about tracks from Border 2, was originally composed by Anu Malik and has now been reworked with Mithoon joining as an additional composer. The updated version features returning singers Roopkumar Rathod and Sonu Nigam, alongside Arijit Singh, Vishal Mishra, and Diljit Dosanjh.

The film is jointly produced by JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta’s JP Films and Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, with Kesari director Anurag Singh at the helm. Border 2 is slated for a theatrical release on January 23.