Vansh Bhardwaj Reflects on His Journey in Border 2 and Beyond
A Dream Come True for Vansh Bhardwaj
For Vansh Bhardwaj, affectionately known as Rocky, being part of Border 2 feels like a dream realized. Growing up with the original Border and its memorable songs, stepping into the sequel is a deeply emotional experience for him.
Vansh expresses profound gratitude for joining a legacy he admired as a child, describing the experience as 'unreal.' In Border 2, he portrays a Haryanvi soldier, under the direction of Anurag Singh, with whom he has a long-standing relationship. He regards Anurag as a mentor and an elder brother.
Inspired by real-life events, Border 2 weaves together stories from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The film primarily follows Major Hoshiar Singh (PVC), played by Varun Dhawan, culminating in a narrative that highlights his journey and that of his comrades. For Vansh, the film's authenticity is particularly significant, as it was filmed at military sites, including Babina Cantonment near Jhansi, featuring tanks, army installations, and actual soldiers.
Among the cast, only four actors were junior artists; the majority were real soldiers. The scale of production was immense, with strict discipline and an atmosphere charged with what Vansh describes as genuine 'fauji josh, jazba, and discipline.'
Produced under the esteemed legacy of JP Dutta, the film emphasizes realism, relying minimally on special effects and focusing on authentic military environments. Vansh notes that war films require extensive preparation, often involving two months of action-packed schedules, long hours, and physically demanding scenes.
His preparation for Border 2 extended beyond physical fitness. With support from his Chandigarh network, Vansh learned Sanskrit from Gunnidhi Sharma. To convincingly embody the character of Subedar Santram, a Haryanvi soldier, he collaborated with Sunil Saraswat to refine his diction and accent. He mentions that discipline has always been a part of his life, making the physical transformation into a soldier feel seamless.
One of the most surreal experiences for Vansh was performing musically on screen. Being part of a film where music holds such emotional weight was extraordinary for him. He never imagined he would get to sing 'Sandese Aate Hai' as a child.
In addition to Border 2, Vansh is also looking forward to the release of Punjab 95, where he plays a significant role. He is thoughtful about his project choices, often consulting with mentors and close friends in the industry. Honey Trehan, whom he affectionately calls 'Bhaji,' is particularly influential in his decision-making process.
Despite his film commitments, theatre remains a core part of Vansh's identity. He actively participates in theatre, balancing rehearsals, performances, and film work. He also lends his directing skills to friends and takes on roles as an actor-director when possible, stating, 'Theatre keeps me busy and honest.'
Having moved to Mumbai in 2009, Vansh quickly fell in love with the city's vibrant chaos, traffic, and relentless energy. He believes that 'Mumbai doesn’t let you fall; it keeps pushing you.' However, Chandigarh remains his true home, and he misses the city when he is away for too long—the evening drives, morning workouts by the lake, and reconnecting with childhood friends. For him, Chandigarh represents peace, while Mumbai embodies momentum.
Deeply connected to the Punjabi theatre and film community, particularly through Panjab University and the Indian Theatre Department, Vansh feels that his professional life resembles an extended family. Collaborators become friends, and friendships evolve into lasting creative partnerships.
As Border 2 aims to evoke the emotions, patriotism, and legacy of a classic, and with Punjab 95 on the horizon, Vansh Bhardwaj stands at a pivotal moment in his career. Grounded in theatre, disciplined in his preparation, and thankful for every opportunity, Rocky is quietly but confidently living the dream he once admired on screen.