'Border 2' villain Ali Hassan on reuniting with Sunny Deol after over a decade : 'I used to just admire him'

Actor Ali Hassan, who plays the chief antagonist in ‘Border 2’, opened up about the emotional significance of working with Sunny Deol again after more than a decade. For Hassan, the film represents a major leap from television to the big screen and a personal milestone. Hassan described the project as both intimidating and exhilarating, especially given the scale of the iconic war franchise. Having previously crossed paths with Deol years ago, the reunion felt like destiny coming full circle. The actor said being part of such a high-profile film opposite a legendary star was an opportunity he deeply cherishes.Hassan did not hold back in crediting Deol as the driving force behind the franchise’s legacy.

Talking to Mid-Day, the actor shared, “Of course it was an ensemble cast and I won’t deny they were amazing too. But if it wasn’t for Sunny Deol, ‘Border’ wouldn’t have been a franchise.” He added, “I was very fortunate that I got to be a part of this amazing project, ‘Border 2’.” Although he did not share scenes with Varun Dhawan or Ahaan Shetty, he relished every moment acting alongside Deol. “I got to work with Sunny Sir. What an amazing person he is.

The energy he carries at the age he is… I used to keep looking at him. I used to forget what I had to do in the scene and just admire him while we performed together,” he admitted.Having grown up watching the veteran star, Hassan said sharing the frame with him was overwhelming. “I’ve grown up watching him and his films. To just be in the same frame as him wasn’t easy. And then again, to be cast opposite him as an antagonist, which makes me the main antagonist of ‘Border 2’, was like a dream come true.

I don’t think many people can say that, although I’ve done two movies before.” The role also demanded intense physical effort.

“The role was very hectic. But it was great. Let me tell you, all the action that you see in the film, everything, I did not use a stunt double. It was done all by me. And the experience has been beyond words for me.”

From doubt to overwhelming response

Coming primarily from television, Hassan initially questioned whether he was the right fit.

“I’m open about the fact that I have only been in television. I’ve not even approached much on the movie side. So when they thought of me, I was thrilled and excited. But frankly speaking, I was very sceptical.” He recalled being told, “Ali, you’re the central antagonist.” Laughing, he said, “I said, okay, I’ll take your word for it.

” The reception after release stunned him. “The kind of reaction I got from people, the kind of love messages I got… I was like, ‘Whoa.

This is something else. This is unreal.’ I was shivering for two days.”

A full-circle moment from ‘CID’ to ‘Border 2’

Hassan also shared a heartfelt anecdote from years earlier. When Deol had appeared on CID for promotions, Hassan happened to play the villain in that episode. “Twelve years back, Sunny paaji had come on ‘CID’ for promotion, and guess who was the villain in that particular episode? It was me.” Reflecting on their reunion, he added, “It was not the first time that I met him. I worked with him then also. And ten years later I am working with him in the biggest war franchise ever.

” Recalling Deol’s warm reaction, Hassan said, “When I showed it to him, he was like, ‘How many years have passed? Twelve years have passed. When are you coming back?’ He was a gem of a person back then and now too.”