Actor-producer Suniel Shetty has many memorable roles to his name on screen, but the role that has shaped him the most is the one he has played off screen — that of a parent. On Parents’ Day today, Suniel reflects on how becoming a father changed the way he looked at responsibility and the choices he made as an actor.

“When I became a father, I carried this image of an actor very responsibly. I made sure that I didn’t do films that I was gonna be embarrassed about tomorrow. Success and failure are not an embarrassment. It’s the roles that you do and that you regret is what embarrassment is all about, and that’s why I chose films which had national pride in it; pride of the uniform,” he says. Last year, Suniel stepped into the shoes of a father on screen too, as he played actor Khushi Kapoor’s dad in Nadaaniyan.

Speaking about being a parent to his children — actors Athiya Shetty, 33, and Ahan Shetty, 30 — Suniel believes that the responsibility of parenthood never truly ends, no matter how old children become.

“As a parent, you always have your children’s comfort in the back of your mind driving your decisions. So whether it’s career, health, or parenting, that is something that will always be a concern,” he says, adding, “That is the beauty of parenthood, the beauty of being a mom, dad, grandma or grandpa.”

For the 64-year-old, watching his children carve their own paths has been a source of pride. Athiya began her career as an actor in 2015 but chose to step away from the profession to focus on her family after marrying cricketer K L Rahul in 2023 and welcoming their daughter, Evaarah Vipula Rahul last year. Ahan, meanwhile, had a challenging start to his acting journey with Tadap (2021), but found renewed success this year with Border 2.

Suniel shares, “I’m very happy with the way they’ve conducted themselves, the way they’ve projected themselves and the impact that they have on people and kids their age. But that concern, love, and that feeling of wanting everything to be fairy tale-like for your children, that is something that’ll never change.”

Border 2’s success ensured that Ahan Shetty had a great start to 2026. Now, the actor is carefully choosing his next projects. While director Tinu Desai’s Sanki will be his next, it looks like Shetty is adding a horror outing to his kitty. We’ve learnt that the actor has given his nod to Vikram Bhatt’s 1920: Cold Winter, the sixth instalment in the 1920 franchise.

Sources have told us that the film is currently at the scripting stage. “This will be Ahan’s first brush with the supernatural genre. He wants to do a variety of roles, after being launched in the romantic action drama Tadap [2021]. That’s why he is carefully choosing movies that belong to different genres,” said a source.

Bhatt and producer Anand Pandit are hunting for the female lead. If things go as planned, the director will call action on the project by November. The source added, “They are looking for a reasonably known actor, not a fresh face. Soon, the producer-director duo will head to Scotland for a recce. Some portions of the film will also be shot in Shimla.”

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Some professional relationships are less about business, more about bonds. Like the one between producer Sajid Nadiadwala and actor Ahan Shetty, whom he launched in Bollywood with Tadap (2021). The actor, who is set to kick off his next with director Tinu Desai, was keen that his film be named Sanki. There was only one hurdle — the title was owned by Nadiadwala. mid-day has learnt that as soon as Shetty reached out to Nadiadwala and expressed his wish, the producer readily parted with the name.

In 2024, Nadiadwala had announced Sanki as an action romance drama with Shetty and Pooja Hegde. Unfortunately, the film was put on the backburner.

A source revealed, “Ahan’s film with Tinu Desai was being developed under a different working title, but he had his heart set on Sanki. Knowing that Sajid held the title, Ahan reached out to him. The producer had no hesitation in letting go — no negotiations, he simply gifted the title to him. The Nadiadwalas and Shettys have been close for decades, with Sajid having worked with Suniel Shetty. The producer is also fond of Ahan, who, in turn, holds immense gratitude and respect for the man who launched him.”

In February, Ahan Shetty had revealed to mid-day that his next, an action love story directed by Shaad Ali, would go on floors by summer (We should start filming around March-April, Feb 2). But in the latest development, the yet-untitled film has been delayed by nearly five months.

Sources have indicated that Ali’s commitment to mentor Mani Ratnam’s next production caused the delay, eventually leading the makers to seek another director for Shetty’s film.

It turns out that Ali has been deeply involved with Ratnam’s project that is currently on floors. An industry insider revealed, “Since Mani sir’s film is not a short-term engagement, Shaad wanted his directorial feature with Ahan to be pushed. It became clear earlier this year that the two movies’ timelines would clash. So, the producers decided to part ways with Shaad and find another director. Tinu Desai, who last directed Mission Raniganj [2023], was roped in last week.”

Apparently the makers aren’t perturbed by the postponement, utilising the time to fine-tune the script and conduct intensive pre-production. As per the revised timelines, the film is expected to go on floors in August in Uttar Pradesh.

As actor Varun Dhawan faced online trolling for his expressions before the release of Border 2, producer Nidhi Dutta says the reaction mattered little compared to the validation the film received from those it truly represents.

“Given our intent while making this film, I’m sure Varun didn’t pay attention to the trolling. His biggest victory was being appreciated by a colonel in the Indian Army,” she says. At an event Colonel Sushil Kumar Dahiya — the son of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Hoshiar Singh and himself a serving officer —approached the actor.

“He went up to Varun and said, ‘I can’t believe how well you played my father.’ There is no bigger compliment than that. No box-office number can give you that feeling.”

The film’s success has brought a deep sense of relief to her and her family. “There’s been a lot of waterworks! My mother and father are constantly tearing up. My father doesn’t cry very often, so seeing that was not something you see too often,” she says.

For Nidhi, Border 2 carried far more than commercial expectations — it came with a sense of responsibility. “Not only the legacy of my father and telling stories of the armed forces, but also the legacy of the armed forces themselves. There was faith from the families who trusted my father and me as filmmakers to tell these stories a certain way,” she points out.

Speaking about the casting of the film, Nidhi shares a belief passed down by her father, which shaped their approach. “If you ask Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh or Ahan Shetty, they will tell you about the letter J P saab wrote to them on the first day of the shoot. He believes — and it has become my belief too — that we don’t choose the cast. The heroes who died for the country and the roles they played are the ones who choose the actors,” she shares. She believes this conviction may stem from her father’s experience while casting for the original Border in 1997.

“I don’t know which part of his journey made him believe this so strongly, but he does. Whether it’s Diljit, Varun, Ahan or Sunny, it felt preordained… they had to play these soldiers who laid down their lives for us,” she signs off.

With Border 2, Ahan Shetty got a well-earned second shot at movies. As the war drama continues its strong run at the box office, the actor is not only relishing the fruits of his hard work but also building his line-up of projects.

He revealed to mid-day that he has signed three films, including one with director Shaad Ali of Saathiya (2002) fame. “It’s an intense action love story, something I’m returning to after Tadap [2021]. I like such intense characters and the depth they carry,” he shared.

Work on the yet-untitled project is underway, with Ali aiming to take it on floors by summer. “We should start filming around March-April. But dates are flexible right now. We’re sitting on the script and music,” revealed Shetty, adding that he is looking forward to surrendering to Ali’s vision.

“Shaad sir knows exactly what he wants. I’m excited to work with him because we understand each other. I think he’ll get a great performance out of me. I believe in completely surrendering to my director.”

One Friday can change everything. That’s a reminder Ahan Shetty would hear frequently from actor and his father Suniel Shetty. A week after the release of Border 2, as Ahan got on a call with us, flushed from the war drama’s success, he opened the conversation with, “Last Friday changed everything for me.”

Border 2, also starring Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Varun Dhawan, is Ahan’s second feature in a five-year career. He forayed into the movies with Tadap (2021), backed by Sajid Nadiadwala. While the romantic actioner underperformed at the box office, the newcomer hit a low — not so much by the film’s fate, but the events that transpired after the release.

“Tadap made Rs 40 crore at a time when films weren’t crossing Rs 10 crore. People said that the film did horribly in terms of numbers, but we made profit. That said, the film came with expectations. After that, it was difficult. I was very low on confidence during that period. I was tied down to a contract with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. So, I wasn’t allowed to sign any other movie for four years. A lot of offers came my way, but you can’t [breach] a contract,” he recalled. 

Good things come to those who wait. For the actor, it came in the form of producer Nidhi Dutta’s offer. “J P Dutta sir and Nidhi didi were home for dinner. Nidhi didi turned to me and said, ‘How would you like to be a part of Border 2?’ I told her that we’ll talk about it when it happens. She laughed and said, ‘Ahan, it’s happening now.’ For a couple of days, I was skeptical, because I couldn’t believe they wanted me, a newcomer, to be a part of such a big film. I had not been able to do anything for four years and was fighting certain battles in my own head. So, being a part of the film means a lot to me.”

Legions of fans have flocked to the theatres to watch Border 2 since its release. Yet, one person has quietly stayed away from the Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty-starrer — Suniel Shetty. Last week, even as Suniel attended the première of his son’s war drama, he was seen hanging outside the auditorium, while his wife Mana Shetty, daughter Athiya, and son-in-law K L Rahul watched the movie with Ahan.

“I sat for three-and-a-half hours outside the theatre, meeting people and soaking in all the compliments,” he smiled, recalling the evening.

Some may be baffled by his decision. But others may identify with Suniel, seeing how his deep desire for his son’s success led him to make a vow. “I had said from Day One that I will not watch Border 2 until it crosses a worldwide collection of Rs. 500 crore. I had kept a mannat for Ahan. Till now, I haven’t watched a single frame. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not arrogance about the film,” shared the senior actor, who had played Assistant Commandant Bhairon Singh Rathore in the 1997 original directed by J P Dutta.

What happens if director Anurag Singh’s latest instalment — which depicts a chapter of the 1971 India-Pakistan war — falls short of the figure? Suniel is hopeful that a father’s prayers will not go unanswered.

“I am hoping it will cross Rs 500 crore. Mana loved Border 2. Everybody who has watched the film has appreciated Ahan’s work. I am happy that after Dhurandhar [2025], another Hindi movie has worked brilliantly.”

Hopefully it will be a matter of time before the proud father can watch the movie on the big screen. He has already made plans for the big day.

“I will watch it with Ahan, his friends, and my family. I will also take Sunny paaji, Varun, and all of them with me. It will probably be the second time for them, but it will be my first. I don’t know how many times I will watch it after that. I have always been proud of Ahan and his decisions. He strongly believed that Border 2 was the film he wanted to do.”

When Suniel Shetty and Ahan Shetty sit down together, the conversation is as much about cinema as it is about courage and strength — to be vulnerable, to withstand judgment, and to allow each other the freedom to fall, rise, unlearn and recharge. On the Bombay Times Lounge, Suniel brings his trademark candour and talks about the dangers of both success and failure, while Ahan reflects on carrying a celebrated surname without letting it define or confine him. The full, unfiltered conversation drops tonight on the Bombay Times YouTube Channel, offering a rare, intimate look at what it means to stand tall together under the spotlight. Excerpts:

Ahan: Dad shows his vulnerable side, not just at home, even outside. He shows his emotions; he is who he is, and that’s why people love him.

Suniel: You have to be vulnerable, as that’s the side of you that your kids see, else you will be putting up a façade. At the recent Border 2 event, if I got teary-eyed, that was the father in me. That moment mattered to me most when Ahan came next to me and placed his hand on my back – that’s when my emotions flowed. When it comes to your children, I think parents are most vulnerable and become a completely different person.

Suniel: That is the scary part. I have told my kids that I know you’ll see success and handle it, but will you be able to handle failure? Because it’s a ruthless world out there. It’s a virtual world. Abuse is abuse. And being first and not right is what news is often all about. And that can destroy an individual. So, I tell my kids to be ready for that. Make sure that notifications and approval are not what your life is all about. Cut off when you have to. Engage, let people know what you are up to and then disconnect.

Ahan: It is hard. But I think we’ve grown up in an environment where dad kept us away from everything, so Athiya and I had a world beyond movies. A lot of my friends are not from the industry, and I think that is very important to have before you step into a career like this. You need to be grounded. You need to have those friends who tell you, “Hey, relax!”

Suniel: That’s the sad part about sports, cinema and politics. You’re in the public eye and have to constantly prove yourself. We’ve got another kid at home (K L Rahul) who is a cricketer and has to constantly prove himself. They (Athiya, K L and Ahan) sit together and share things. It’s important to have a family that can actually tell you what it is to handle the highs and lows. We talk about individuals and freedom. I think what we need is the joint family system, where the family can help you handle the highs and lows in life because both could be dangerous at times.

Ahan: She’s my go-to person for anything and everything. I’ve seen her grow and mature so much more throughout this journey of motherhood. It’s surreal for me to see her in that way.

Suniel: It is tough. It is his journey, his choice of films and I’m absolutely fine with that. But apart from that, if you’re going to take a potshot at my son, I’d sit down once, I’d sit down twice, then I’m a Shetty boy and old school is old school. I will not let go. I will take you on. I will take you on the way you want me to take you on, because I’m clean and honest here, and also fearless. It’s only when you are honest that you are fearless. That’s the way it is going to be. I didn’t interfere during his debut film, Tadap, even once, nor did I say I want to see even one frame of Border 2 during its making. For this film, only when they told me to be there at an event, I was there. It’s my son’s film, so it’s my film and I’ll do it. It’s his journey, of course, I will keep guiding him whenever he needs me, as my years of experience have taught me a lot.

Ahan: At times, I do, even Athiya does, and we tell him. I think she is more assertive. We know how far he can go for someone, and we know how much he can do for a person, so it’s like we have to hold him back.

Ahan: We definitely have, maybe it will happen when the time is right. I’ve taken that step in a way, by being a part of Border 2, and being a part of an iconic film franchise that my father was a part of.

Ahan: Carrying my father’s legacy forward is very important to me. Obviously, I have his name, and I want to carry forward that name. The pressure is there and will always be there, but I try not to focus on that. A lot of people on social media say, ‘You’ll never be like your father.’ I know I’ll never be like him. I can’t compare myself to him and I won’t. This is my journey. I just hope that I can be true to myself and be honest in terms of my performances and with the people around me.

Two generations. One powerful surname. And a story that goes far beyond the movies. Suniel Shetty— one of Hindi cinema’s original action heroes, known for his discipline, grit and integrity, and Ahan Shetty — a bright, young actor finding his voice in an industry driven by clicks, commentary and constant comparison. Our next guests on the Bombay Times Lounge are the father–son duo, sitting down for a rare, unfiltered conversation — moving from Border to Border 2, from fame to family, from nepotism to self-belief. This isn’t just about a surname. It’s about the family behind it and the bonds that tie them. The promo drops today. Here’s a sneak peek into the conversation. Watch out for the full episode coming soon on the Bombay Times YouTube channel.

“We always want our kids to be happy, and I am not talking about success. I’m scared of failure in the industry and not of success. In other fields, when you fall, you get up and start walking. Here, when you fall, the world looks at you, and they make you feel that you’re nothing. People feel that Hindi film actors are illiterate; they don’t know anything. We know a lot and we are smart. In today’s times, failure is sometimes more celebrated than success. It’s a fact.”

“Today, people just react to what they see in a 2-3 second clip. That’s what’s happening in my generation. We’re being put up against each other. I know there are comparisons between Ahaan Panday and me. I know that guy. I know how hard he’s worked for his film and everything that he’s done to prepare for it. There’s no competition between us. We have our own careers. There is so much love and respect amongst each other and that is what needs to come out. We’re all one industry. Social media has created a divide and that’s why you don’t see so much support for one another.”

“Has anybody seen the film (Border 2)? Nobody has seen the film. We’ve seen glimpses of the film. Varun Dhawan will kill it in the film, he’s outstanding. Varun is not playing himself; he is playing a decorated officer who’s given his life for the country. So, I think we should think a little bit before we go out there and say these things. Today, it’s very easy to trash someone and run them down.”

Talking about self-belief and dignity, Suniel says, "I am who I am, but my attitude depends on who you are. You treat me right, and I treat you like a god and a goddess. If you don’t, then you don’t even exist for me in a room. And that’s my approach to everything today. That’s the confidence I go with. I tell everybody that all of you have that in you. Bring out the ‘X’ factor in you and see the difference."

“It’s been a long journey since Tadap came out in 2021. It’s definitely not been easy. I mean, the whole nepotism debate comes up a lot. I’ve always accepted it. My father is an actor, and I wanted to be an actor. I think it is important to stay focused on what you want to do and not let the noise around you affect you too much. I focus on giving my director and producer my 200 per cent.”

“I’m very close to a lot of the actors in the industry. But at the same time, it’s not that I socialise with them. That respect is there from a work perspective and for the kind of individual that they are. If you tell me that ‘X’ is not a good person, that means nothing to me. It is my judgment of the person that matters. I don’t judge; we never judge. At home, we don’t talk about careers at all, we talk about character. It is about how you behave, whether it is Rahul, Athiya or Ahan.”

“Right now, our world and all our conversations at home revolve around Evaarah (Athiya’s daughter). She’s brought us closer and we even went on a family trip together after 15 years. Dad’s mornings begin with Evaarah – playing with her, feeding her. In the evening, all of us get together at home with her. It’s all about her.”

Ask Ahan which films of his father’s he would want to be a part of, and he says, "I’d love to be a part of Hera Pheri, I love that franchise. Fortunately, I am part of Border 2, which was one of dad’s films that I have always been inspired by."

After the makers of Border 2 released the heart-gutting Ghar Kab Aaoge last week, another song, Jaate Hue Lamhon, is set to be unveiled soon. With its music steeped in nostalgia, the film has begun to resonate across generations. Taking the promotional campaign beyond conventional venues, the makers are now set to launch the song at a location of military significance in Mumbai, with Suniel Shetty joining the team for the event, followed by a high-profile trailer launch aboard the INS Vikrant.

Today, the Border 2 team will unveil Jaate Hue Lamhon, a Roop Kumar Rathod number, composed by Mithoon — at a large-scale event in Mumbai’s Navy Nagar. It is a highly restricted Indian Navy residential cantonment at the southern tip of Colaba, housing naval personnel and their families.

For the first time, Suniel Shetty will join the event along with his son Ahaan and the rest of the Border 2 team. A source tells mid-day, “The film’s team is making sure that the movie is marketed in the best ways possible and spread over various army bases thus giving them the importance they deserve as Border 2 is about the valour and bravery of our armed forces.”

Except for Diljit Dosanjh, who is touring the US for his shows, the entire cast and crew will be present at the event. Army personnel and their families are expected to attend the event. Roop Kumar Rathod is even expected to sing the song live.

The film’s trailer will be launched aboard the INS Vikrant which was deployed to the Arabian Sea during Operation Sindoor last year. Along with other warships, INS Vikrant also took part in Operation Sagar Bandhu providing disaster relief to Sri Lanka which was hit by Cyclone Ditwah.

“Ahaan’s character in Border 2, Lt Cdr MS Rawat takes part in several key naval missions of the Indo-Pak war of 1971 as he is the Commanding Officer of a naval ship.”

If J P Dutta’s Border (1997) chronicled the Battle Of Longewala of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, its upcoming sequel Border 2 will focus on several chapters of the same war. Its subject aside, another element binds the two movies.

mid-day has exclusively learnt that director Anurag Singh’s drama — led by Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty — will have appearances by Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, and Sudesh Berry, who played significant roles in the original.

Khanna played Second Lieutenant Dharamvir Singh Bhakhri, Suniel, Assistant Commandant Bhairon Singh Rathore, and Berry was Naib Subedar Mathura Das. In the narrative, all three characters were killed in action.

A source revealed, “Since Border 2 is also set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the characters from the original film will serve as their peers. Anurag and producer-writer Nidhi Dutta felt bringing the heroic characters from the 1997 war drama would make it a memorable experience. So, they incorporated this segment. The characters from the old and new films will cross paths at an event before the 1971 war begins. It’s a great idea as it not only brings the father-son duo of Suniel and Ahan on screen, but also harks back to the much loved movie.”

Apparently, the original plan was to shoot the sequence earlier this year in Pune. However, things did not work out due to the unavailability of combination dates of the concerned actors, and other logistics. 

The source added, “In November, Akshaye and Sudesh filmed their portions in Mumbai. Suniel has been shooting for a new project in which he sports a distinct look. So, his parts were shot against a green screen, and will require special effects. All three actors will be de-aged in keeping with their Border avatars.”

mid-day reached out to producer Bhushan Kumar, who remained unavailable for comment.

After more than three decades in showbiz, Suniel Shetty is enjoying a second wind — on-screen success on one side and a brand-new role as a grandfather on the other. His career is soaring, his home is fuller, and life, he admits, has never felt richer. When his daughter Athiya married cricketer K L Rahul, he gained not just a son-in-law but “another son” alongside Ahan. Yet, fatherhood — and now grandfatherhood — comes with its own share of worries.

Earlier, he worried about Athiya and Ahan; now it is about Rahul getting trolled — especially after India’s disappointing loss to South Africa in the recent Test series. Rahul has now been chosen to lead India in the ODI series against South Africa.

“Initially I used to get deeply hurt, perhaps more than my children. They would tell me to remain calm and not feel bad. Today, I have realised it is all a part of a celebrity’s life, so it doesn’t affect me as much anymore,” shares Suniel, admitting that he still does not watch his son-in-law play. “There is too much stress involved.”

Though films and cricket usually dominate the public perception of their lives, at home the conversation rarely touches either. “We influence billions of people; [it is] a blessed position, hence important for us to behave right. Rahul is calm, respectful, and all about empathy, he adds strength to [the family]. Ahan and he are best friends [before being] brothers. His influence is stronger on them,” he says.

Becoming a grandfather to eight-month-old Evaara — born to Rahul and Athiya in March this year — has been “ten times more blissful”. He is ready to turn into a camel, horse, sheep, or even a fish for the little one. “There is nothing else that I want to do but be around her. I am willing to do everything for Evaara. She has a bit of Rahul, Ahan, and Athiya in her. Evaara has a birthday celebration every month on the 24th with cake and everything,” Suniel gushes.

Suniel Shetty is thrilled that his son Ahan has taken the mantle from him by featuring in ‘Border 2’, and “has finally found his mojo”. “It is the most beautiful feeling for me. Ahan is confident; I see absolute joy and pleasure on his face. Success and failure come, but to see that happiness on his face as a father is a different joy. It’s the only thing that I have ever wanted,” he says, beaming with pride.

The high entourage cost debate has been the central focus in the film industry for some time now. And actor Ahan Shetty was reported to have lost out on projects due to his costs, including Sajid Nadiadwala’s Sanki.

Breaking his silence, Ahan says, “I know there were articles saying my entourage cost was high, and that’s why certain films didn’t happen. None of that is true. The people close to me and my producers knew that. You just have to be thick-skinned in this industry.”

Four years after his debut in Tadap (2021), he will next be seen in Border 2 and a film with Shaad Ali. In the interim, Ahan admits to moments of self-doubt: “When Tadap came out, there was still lockdown. We were at 50% occupancy in theatres, and after four days, we went down to 25% capacity. For the year after that, it was very up in the air — films weren’t working, people weren’t going to theatres. So, a lot of self-doubt crept in.”

Reflecting on his current phase, the actor says, “I’m taking it as Ahan 2.0. It is like a new beginning for me. There was quite a long gap for me for various reasons. But this is definitely a new beginning and I am very excited for it.”

Reports of actor Ahan Shetty teaming up with filmmaker Shaad Ali for his next, a love story, have being doing the rounds. Now, we have learnt that actor Nitanshi Goel has come on board as leading lady.

A source connected to the film reveals, “The film is a love story based in Uttar Pradesh. Shaad completed the recce last month and has finalised his locations and other details. The film will be shot in and around Bareilly.”

As per the source, the announcement for the film will be made after the release of Border 2. “(Actor) Sanjay Dutt has also been approached for a pivotal role. Talks are on but nothing is finalized yet. Shoot is expected to start by February next year,” the source adds.

We reached out to Nitanshi, Shaad and Sanjay but they did not respond till the time of going to press.

The Shetty household is brimming with excitement this festive season as it marks a very special milestone — the family’s first Diwali with its youngest member, cricketer K L Rahul and actor Athiya Shetty’s daughter, Evaarah. Proud mamu, actor Ahan Shetty says the celebration feels “extra bright” this year.

“The last two years I wasn’t in Mumbai due to travel, but this year is different, it’s my niece’s first Diwali,” Ahan shares, adding, “There’s a lot more excitement because there are so many firsts. Unfortunately, Rahul is in Australia for India’s tour, but the rest of the family will be together.”

Ahan admits his little niece has become the centre of everyone’s attention. “She’s brought so much love and happiness. We already had that as a family, but it’s just amplified now with her around,” he says with a smile. On his new role as mamu, he adds, “I’ll be a mix of both, the fun one who pampers her and the slightly serious one when it comes to teaching her things.”

Watching his sister embrace motherhood has been a moving experience. “I see such a different side to Athiya now... so hands-on, nurturing and caring. Growing up, she was like a second mother to me, and now seeing her with her child makes me so proud. I’m also a bit relieved that all her protective energy has now shifted from me to Evaarah,” he laughs.

Currently filming Border 2, Ahan admits he’s on a strict diet but can’t resist festive treats. “I absolutely love motichoor laddoos. Even though I’m on a diet for the film, I allow myself some sweets during Diwali. It’s impossible to resist,” he says.

Reflecting on the meaning of Diwali, Ahan adds, “It’s about bringing in happiness, letting go of what’s past, and looking forward to what’s next. I’m in a phase where I’m reflecting on how far I’ve come and what lies ahead — this Diwali feels like the start of a new chapter.”

After signing on a love story with director Shaad Ali, actor Ahan Shetty has locked his next project as well — and it’s set to be an action-packed affair.

A source close to the development of the project tells us that the 29-year-old, who made his acting debut with Tadap (2021), will be seen in an action-drama next. “Ahan has signed an actioner which will be directed by renowned Bengali director Birsa Dasgupta, and is being produced by Shibasish Sarkar and Ribhu Dasgupta,” the source tells us, adding that the leading lady is currently being finalised, with an official announcement expected soon.

The yet-untitled film will go on floors this October, adds the source. Meanwhile, Ahan also has Border 2 in the pipeline, which will release next year. For Birsa, this collaboration will mark his directorial debut in Hindi films, although he has earlier directed Hindi web series such as Mafia (2020), Black Widows (2020) and The Magic Of Shiri (2024).

akash.bhatnagar@​partner.hindustantimes.com

Besides starring alongside Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh in filmmaker JP Dutta’s Border 2, Ahan Shetty has also signed his next project. The actor, who marked his Bollywood debut in 2021 with Tadap, will be seen in Shaad Ali’s next. The speculation started when a picture of Ahan with the director — known for helming films such as Saathiya (2002), Bunty Aur Babli (2005) and OK Jaanu (2017) — surfaced online.

Now, our source confirms, saying, “Ahan is collaborating with Shaad for his next film, which is a love story. The duo was spotted together at the airport as they were headed to Delhi for some work related to the film. The search for the female lead is currently on.”

The insider adds, “Ahan is currently shooting for Border 2. Shaad’s film is expected to go on floors next year.”

War is on Varun Dhawan’s mind these days. Last month, mid-day had reported that the actor would kick off the shoot of Border 2 in January (Soldiers gear up for battle, December 7). Sure enough, he commenced work on Anurag Singh’s directorial venture from January 10 at Babina Cantonment in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. While his co-stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty are yet to join the shoot, mid-day has learnt that a critical figure on the set is an Army officer, who has been brought in to ensure authenticity in the movie’s depiction of the Indian Armed Forces.

Sources tell us that in the film’s early stages, Singh and producer-writer Nidhi Dutta requested the Indian Army’s support as they wanted it to be an authentic retelling of a chapter from the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

A source from the creative team reveals, “At the pre-production stage, the Army appointed an officer to supervise and approve the uniforms being designed by Sheetal Sharma so that they are accurate in terms of the designation and the period. When the shoot began last week, another officer was deployed to guide Varun in his portrayal of a jawan. He ensured that the actor’s gait, manner of speaking and body language are in keeping with the disciplined approach of soldiers. He is also training the cast members in artillery use. Varun, Nidhi and Anurag met the Station Commander yesterday. The Army officers are enabling a smooth shoot.” 

In the sequel to J P Dutta’s blockbuster Border (1997), Dhawan plays an Army officer from Uttarakhand. “Varun has picked up the local dialect, in keeping with his character. While Diljit essays the role of an Air Force officer, Sunny is an Army Major and Ahan, a Navy commander,” adds the source.

After a fortnight’s shoot in Babina Cantonment, the director will lead the unit to Gwalior for the second schedule. “Sunny, Diljit, and Ahan will join Varun in February. They will shoot the major war sequences during this leg, which will go on till March. The action is designed by Nick Powell, who worked on The Bourne Identity [2002] and Kalki 2898 AD [2024]. The characters’ back-stories will be filmed in another schedule.”