Javed Akhtar refused to write songs for Border 2. Here's why

Border 2, sequel to the iconic film of 1997, Border by J. P. Dutta. Based on the real incident depicting the Battle of Longewala. Javed Akhtar, who originally wrote the songs of Border, was approached by the makers of Border 2 as well, but he refused. He said it is creative bankruptcy when you want to release the same song by adding something, which he strongly discourages. Fans put out mixed reactions to his comment.

"Make new songs": Javed Akhtar on remake of Border songs

Javed Akhtar, who wrote the iconic songs of Bollywood and is known for his liberal thoughts, has once again made headlines. He took a jibe at the release of Border 2, which is the sequel to Border. He wrote almost all the songs for the Border (1997), like Sandese aate hain, Aye Jate Hue Lamhon, Humein Jab Se Mohabbat and more.

The songs from Border 2, which were the remake of all the old songs, rekindled memories of many, but a section of the audience did not appreciate the remake of the old songs, which held a corner of hearts. Even though the songs are sung by the same singer, one of them is the most popular one, Sandese aate hain.

#JavedAkhtar on #Border2:
"They did ask me to write for the film, but I refused. I really feel this is a kind of intellectual and creative bankruptcy. You have an old song that did well, and you want to put it out again by adding something? Make new songs, or else accept that you… pic.twitter.com/BH6i68GEMF

— $@M (@SAMTHEBESTEST_) January 20, 2026

Javed Akhtar, speaking to India Today, said, "They did ask me to write for the film, but I refused. I really feel this is a kind of intellectual and creative bankruptcy. You have an old song that did well, and you want to put it out again by adding something?. Make new songs, or else accept that you cannot do the same level of work, he said.

"Whatever is bygone, let that be. What is the need to recreate it? We had a film before us also—Haqeeqat (1964)—and its songs were not ordinary ones. Be it 'Kar chale hum fida' or 'Main yeh sochkar uske dar se utha tha,' those were such brilliant songs, but we didn't use them. We wrote new ones; we made absolutely different songs, and people liked them too. You are making a movie again, so create new songs. Why are you depending on the past? You have accepted that we can't do it. We will live on past glory." Javed Akhtar said while expressing his disappointment over remake of old films and songs.

Exclusive: #JavedAkhtar criticize #Border2 makers for cashing in the goodwill of BORDER 😒

You are making a movie again, so create new songs. Why are you depending on the past?

They did ask me to write for the film, but I refused. I really feel this is a kind of intellectual… pic.twitter.com/xZvUlcJvBC

— 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙨 (@MovieMetricsHQ) January 20, 2026

The audience agreed with what he believed, but pointed towards his son, Farrhan Akhtar, who had been doing the complete opposite by making remakes of old films like Don. One X user said "But didn't say such things when his son Farhan remade Don and had Yeh Mera Dil , Khaike Pan Banaras wala" while many agreed to his views. "Javed Akhtar always speaks with honesty and integrity. Creating something new requires courage and vision, and his perspective reminds us that true creativity can’t be recycled it has to be born afresh." and another user said "I totally agree with his view. Way too many songs are being remade with originality almost dead. Rarely, some good original songs emerge providing a breath of fresh air."