Mumbai, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Music composer Anu Malik once recalled how a last-minute decision to have Sonu Nigam sing ‘Sandese Aate Hai’ changed the impact of the iconic song from the 1997 film ‘Border’.
An old clip of Malik from a Kapil Sharma-hosted television show has resurfaced online, in which the composer spoke about the recording of the patriotic song and his decision to choose Nigam over veteran singer Roop Kumar Rathod for the final rendition.
Malik recalled that both singers were present at the recording and that Rathod’s version had turned out well. However, after listening to it repeatedly, he approached filmmaker J.P. Dutta and suggested giving Nigam a chance to record the song.
According to Malik, there was hesitation when he made the suggestion because Nigam was relatively young at the time. The composer said he trusted his instincts and believed that Nigam could elevate the song.
Malik recalled that when Nigam sang the song, the response from those present was immediate, with members of the theatre staff reportedly standing up and applauding. He said the moment convinced him that a major singing talent had emerged.
‘Sandese Aate Hai’ went on to become one of the most enduring patriotic songs in Hindi cinema. The song captures the loneliness of soldiers serving away from their families and the emotional bond they maintain through letters from home.
Directed by J.P. Dutta, ‘Border’ is based on the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The film featured Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna and others in key roles.
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