In the fame-fleeting world of showbiz where films come and go like passing seasons some movies entertain us some are great to change our mood while there are rarely a few that stay with us for the long haul. One such movie that has become a national memory and transcended the box office is JP Duttas 1997 war film Border. Inspired by the Indo-Pak war this film was not just a film but it was also an emotional experience that showed great patriotism sacrifice and the bond between human beings in the midst of war. Even though Suniel Shetty stole the limelight by and large it also featured the star-studded cast of Sunny Deol Jackie Shroff and Akshaye Khanna. But what will surprise you is that Suniel Shetty initially declined the role and it wasnt because of the role or any other issue with the script or character; however it was due to a personal glitch with the director of the film J.P. Dutta that he had his apprehensions In an interview Suniel Shetty openly confessed that he rejected the film because he was afraid. He got ot know through somebody that JP Dutta was a tough and short-tempered director who lost his temper and even used abusive language on location. I was afraid I would take it badly if he talked to me like that. I told my secretary I couldnt do it Shetty confessed. However JP Dutta was quite headstrong about his preference and he couldnt let it go so lightly. In a dramatic turn of events he approached a close relative of Shetty his mother-in-law courtesy producer Bharat Shah. JP Dutta asked Shettys mother-in-law to persuade him and that worked out. Shetty sat down and actually accepted the role but after placing one rider: that if things became too inappropriate he would leave the film. What then arose was a strong working relationship? Shetty stated that with time he bonded with JP Dutta and that the director was supportive of him during lean times in his career. He always gave me work without hesitation Shetty remembered tearfully. The movie turned out to be one of Indian cinemas greatest war dramas and the character played by Suniel Shetty made an unforgettable mark.