Being part of Border 2 feels nothing short of living a dream for Vansh Bhardwaj, fondly known as Rocky. Having grown up watching Border and listening to its iconic songs, stepping into the world of its sequel is deeply sentimental for the actor.
Vansh speaks with immense gratitude about becoming part of a legacy he admired as a child, calling the experience “unreal”. Vansh will be seen playing a Haryanvi soldier in Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh, with whom he shares a long-standing association. He describes Anurag as an elder brother and mentor.
Inspired by true events, Border 2 brings together narratives from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The film largely tracks the story of Major Hoshiar Singh (PVC), played by Varun Dhawan, with the climax following his journey and that of the troops. What makes the film special for Vansh is its authenticity. The shoot took place at military locations, including Babina Cantonment near Jhansi. Tanks, Army spaces and real soldiers formed the backdrop of the film.
Out of the entire unit, only four actors were junior artists — the rest were actual soldiers. The scale was massive, the discipline uncompromising and the atmosphere charged with what Vansh calls true “fauji josh, jazba and discipline”.
Produced under the legacy of JP Dutta, the film stays true to realism. There was minimal reliance on special effects, with a strong focus on real military setups. War films, Vansh shares, take time — nearly two months of action-heavy schedules, long hours and physically demanding sequences.
Preparation for Border 2 went beyond physical training. His Chandigarh circle helped him step into the role. Vansh learned Sanskrit under the guidance of Gunnidhi Sharma. To convincingly portray a Haryanvi soldier Subedar Santram, he worked closely with Sunil Saraswat on diction and accent. Fitness and discipline, however, were already ingrained in him. “Discipline has been part of my life since childhood,” he says, “making the physical transformation into a soldier felt natural.”
One of the most surreal moments for Vansh was singing on screen. Being part of a film where music carries legacy and emotion felt extraordinary. To sing Sandese Aate Hai, he says, is something he never imagined growing up.
Alongside Border 2, Vansh also awaits the release of Punjab 95, in which he plays a prominent role. He is thoughtful about choosing projects, often discussing decisions with mentors and people he considers family within the industry. Honey Trehan, whom he refers to as “Bhaji”, is especially close to him, and Vansh values guidance over impulsive choices.
Despite working in films, theatre remains central to Vansh’s identity. He continues to stay associated with theatre, often juggling rehearsals, performances and film schedules. He also assists friends in direction and works as an actor-director when possible. “Theatre keeps me busy, keeps me honest,” he says.
Vansh moved to Mumbai in 2009 and fell in love with Bombay instantly — the chaos, traffic, madness and unstoppable energy. “Mumbai doesn’t let you fall,” he says. “It keeps pushing you.” At the same time, Chandigarh remains home. He misses the city when away far too long —the evening gedi routes, early morning workouts near the lake, smooth roads, calm routines and reconnecting with childhood friends after long gaps. Chandigarh, for him, is peace; Mumbai is momentum.
Connected closely to the Punjabi theatre and film community, especially through Panjab University and Indian Theatre Department circles, Vansh believes that his professional world often feels like extended family. Collaborators turn into friends, and friendships turn into lifelong creative partnerships.
As Border 2 prepares to revive the emotion, patriotism, and legacy of a classic, and Punjab 95 waits to meet audiences, Vansh Bhardwaj stands at a meaningful point in his journey. Rooted in theatre, disciplined in preparation and grateful for every opportunity, Rocky is quietly but confidently living the dream he once watched unfold on screen.
