Suniel Shetty initially rejected Border due to JP Dutta's alleged temper: 'If he abuses me, I might raise my hand'

Suniel Shetty recently revealed he had initially turned down the role of Bhairav Singh in JP Dutta’s Border. The reason? Dutta’s notorious temper. Suniel admitted he was hesitant to work with the filmmaker, fearing clashes on set. Little did he know, the role would go on to become a defining moment in his career.

Why Suniel Was Hesitant: A Clash of Tempers

In an interview with Radio Nasha, Suniel admitted that he was initially hesitant to take on the role of Bhairav Singh in Border because of JP Dutta’s reputation for being a strict and temperamental director. Aware of his own short temper, Shetty feared that working under such pressure might lead to conflict, and even told his secretary that it was best to walk away from the project.

Family Intervention Changes the Game

Despite his initial reluctance, fate had other plans. The role circled back to Shetty—this time with a little help from family. JP Dutta, determined to have Shetty on board, reached out through producer Bharat Shah, who had a connection with Shetty’s mother-in-law. She stepped in, urging the actor to give it another thought. Eventually, Shetty agreed, but only after making it clear that he would step away if things didn’t go smoothly on set.

But fate had other plans. From the very first day on set, Suniel Shetty and J.P. Dutta struck a strong bond, working together with great chemistry. Even during the challenging phases of Shetty’s career, Dutta remained a steadfast supporter, offering him roles and opportunities without hesitation.

‘Border’ Becomes an Iconic War Film

Released in 1997, the film became a monumental success and an emotional milestone in Indian war cinema. Featuring stars like Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, and Tabu, the film is still celebrated for its intense patriotism and unforgettable performances.

As Border 2 gears up for its 2026 release with a new cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty—though reportedly without Diljit Dosanjh, who has exited the project—fans are buzzing with anticipation. Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar alongside the Dutta family, the sequel aims to uphold the powerful legacy and emotional depth of the original film.