On October 29, the Border Security Force (BSF) organised its annual marathon in Punjab, which was flagged off from Amritsar and culminated at the Attari-Wagah joint check post. Suniel Shetty, who was the guest of honour, was present for the prize distribution ceremony at the Attari-Wagah check post. For the senior actor, who played BSF’s Assistant Commandant Bhairon Singh Rathod in Border (1997), it was a privilege to meet the real-life heroes.

“Many of them told me that they had watched Border when they were in school or college, and that they were honoured to [host] me. But for me, it was the opposite. It was an honour to be a part of the event and [meet] the soldiers who [are willing to] sacrifice their lives to keep us safe,” says the actor.

Shetty, along with some sportspersons from the BSF, flagged off the event. While interacting with the soldiers and the media, the actor mouthed a few popular dialogues from Border. “Few people realise that the BSF is the first line of defence. I expressed my gratitude to them; after all, every border is secure because of them. I also thanked them for being the epitome of fitness. They are standing at the borders, guarding them relentlessly. I told them what the BSF means to me and the nation, and how it makes such a big difference.”

The actor wishes to join the bravehearts at the BSF marathon next year. Not only that, he wants to do his bit by spreading the word about the event. “I requested them to inform a few months in advance the next time they organise the marathon. I can help promote it, and make it one of the biggest events.”