मनोज मुंतशिर बोले- ‘बॉर्डर 2’ का गाना लिखते वक्त रोया: मिथुन ने कहा- इतने लंबे करियर के बाद भी लगा जैसे ये मेरी पहली फिल्म

There is such a confluence of patriotism, passion and down-to-earth emotions in ‘Border 2’ that every scene of the film is reaching straight into the hearts of the audience. The songs of the film are also being liked very much. During a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, the film’s lyricist Manoj Muntashir told that he kept writing songs continuously for 9 months until he found good words. Many times he would have tears in his eyes while writing songs. Music director Mithun told that even after a career of 20 years, he felt that ‘Border 2’ was his first film. Here are some more important excerpts from the conversation with Manoj Muntashir and Mithun..

Question: When the offer of ‘Border 2’ came, what was the first question in your mind? Preserving old heritage or creating a new identity?

Manoj Muntashir/ Answer: Paying respect to the old legacy. Our biggest goal was to maintain the respect that ‘Border’ has earned. We learned a lot from Annu Malik and Javed Akhtar sahab. ‘Border 2’ has a new story and new situation. But our heads always remained bowed before the old songs. We gave our best. But there was always respect for the original Borders soundtrack. Our tribute is reflected in all the recreated songs.

Question: Mithun, what would you like to say about this?

Gemini/Answer: The respect that Manoj ji is talking about is clearly heard in the songs. You will know if you listen to “Ghar kab aao ago” and “Jaante ke lamhoon”. These are homages to the original songs. Made with full respect and prayer. This was our feeling. The people who are liking felt this emotion.

‘Border 2’ releases in theaters on January 23, 2026.

Question: Did you feel pressure while making the songs of ‘Border 2’?

Gemini/ Answer: I think pressure is a word with which I or perhaps even Manoj ji do not relate much. Yes, there is definitely responsibility, and it is there in every film, because every story wants to say something. Therefore the same is expected from the composer and lyricist.

But when it comes to ‘border’, the responsibility doubles. It’s not just about one brand. Even if you don’t believe the name of the film ‘Border’ for a while, it is still based on the true stories of our soldiers. In 1971, India fought wars on many fronts.

‘Border’ was based on the Battle of Longewala, whereas this time the story is of a different front. The names of the martyrs of our country are associated with the story of this film, and this makes it very serious and sensitive. We recently met the families of the martyrs and then realized what a huge responsibility it is to be associated with this story.

Question: How has been your relationship with the music of ‘Border’, and what was your vision for the new version?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: Two songs of ‘Border’ have been a part of my life ever since they came on cassette. There was no concept of playlists then, but hardly a week went by when I did not listen to that music again. We feel a very close connection with that music.

In such a situation, neither I nor Mithun sir were ever in any race that we would do anything better than this. What you love so much is not to be competed with, it is to be enjoyed and celebrated. Our only effort was to see with all humility whether we could add something to it in our own way.

Question: Why was there a need to write something new in an iconic song like ‘Sandesh Aate Hai’?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: ‘Sandesh Aate Hain’ is a complete song in itself. Javed Akhtar Sahab had put his soul into it. It is not just a song, it is a beating heart. Adding something new to it was not to show that we too can write. The only thing was that ‘Border 2’ is a new film, its front and its characters are different.

The characters who were not directly on the ‘border’ also have their own story, and a language is needed to tell that story. Anu Malik’s music and Javed Sahab’s emotional landscape were already present. We simply added our share of four colors to the same canvas. ‘Sandesh’ will always be the song of Javed Akhtar, Anu Malik, Roop Kumar Rathod and Sonu Nigam. Neither Mithun, nor I, nor anyone else has any claim on this.

Question: Was this song written suddenly or was there a long journey behind it?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: This song was not written in a day or a few hours. It was written and changed continuously for about 9 months. Many times the words seemed good, then when a new tune came, I felt that something deeper than this could be written. It was an ongoing practice, with emotions involved every day.

Question: How deep was the emotional connection while writing this song?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: Very deep. Many times I would burst into tears while writing. There were some lines which could not control emotions while writing. This song was a call for those characters and that story, which cannot be written without being sensitive.

Question: Mithun, how difficult was it for you to control your emotions at that moment?

Gemini/Answer: I wouldn’t call it difficult. When the heart is in the right place and intentions are clear, emotions start flowing on their own. There were people like Manoj Muntashir ji and Anurag Singh ji in the room, who have a deep connection with the army and very strong emotional understanding. His presence was like the perfect light for me. I just had to let my feelings out openly. The tune you heard was my first and true expression.

Question: How is songwriting and poetry different, and how was your association with Mithun?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: While writing songs for films, not poetry, but such lyrics are written which can breathe with the music. There was always complete trust with Mithun, because he immediately understands the depth of words and finds the right expression at that very moment.

Question: How was the tune on which the song was composed decided?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: I narrated him two lines and the tune he composed at that very moment on the piano is the same as in the song today. It took a year to refine it, but the tune remained the same. This is the connection. Gemini always seems to be connected to the universe, as if it were just their chosen instrument.

Question: Both of you must have received excellent feedback. You also met the families of the brave soldiers. Any special compliment or reaction that still sticks in your mind?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: Thousands and thousands of comments came. Many people wrote that I will watch this film 10 times just for this song. It was great to read this. But to be honest, you might go to watch the movie just for the songs, but the movie is so well made that you will watch it 20 times. 10 times for the song and 10 times for the film.

Question: Mithun, did you get any feedback that touched your heart?

Gemini/Answer: I stay away from feedback and also keep distance from social media. But when my song reaches people, I feel its frequency. The most special moment for me was when we were performing on INS Vikrant. Sonu Nigam ji, Manoj ji, 50 musicians and officers of our Indian Navy were present on the stage.

After two intervals, I felt as if time had stopped. I requested everyone to stand up and pay homage to our “sons of the soil”. Then the chorus sang – “Kuchh Dard Kabhi Sote Hi Nahi…” That moment was beyond art, cinema, awards, views, everything. That experience was bigger than any honor.

Question: Manoj ji, you are very active on social media. How do you filter positive and critical feedback?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer:I have only one filter – are my words helping the country, the society and the people? If the answer is “yes,” then I’m not afraid. But if something just gives me pleasure and harms the society, I will never say it. To me everything is bigger than me. This is not about me, it is about the country.

Question: How do you feel when people say that your songs or tunes changed their lives?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: We just thank God. If everything was within our ability, I would wake up every morning and write a big song. The truth is that we are very limited. We are stones and the stories of our heroes are the touchstone that turns us into gold.

Question: Mithun, would you like to say something about this?

Gemini/ Answer: Humility is the greatest strength of an artist. I have learned this from my teachers. Pyarelal ji used to say that God uses us only when we are empty. Even after a career of 20 years, I feel that ‘Border 2’ is my first film and I do every work as if it is the last.

Question: How are songs that leave such a deep impact created?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: Faiz Saheb had said that the day the ulcer in my chest stops oozing, I will stop writing. The day I stop feeling the pain of others, I will stop writing.

Today I write because I yearn. I have tears in my eyes, and maybe that’s why my songs touch people.

Question: Why is patriotism today being viewed through the prism of patriotism versus jingoism? What would you like to say?

Manoj Muntashir/Answer: It depends on the intentions of the film makers. If the intention is only to earn money by inciting emotions, then it will amount to jingoism. But if the story is told honestly, it never bears the stamp of jingoism.