Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The Indian film industry has long been fascinated with the stories of bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. Recently, it was announced that Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, will be making his acting debut with the film ‘Ikkis’, a biographical drama based on the life of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Khetarpal, who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, is a name that evokes a sense of pride and patriotism in the hearts of every Indian. But who was Arun Khetarpal, and what made his story so inspiring that it has been adapted into a film?
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune into a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a decorated army officer who had served in World War II and the Indo-Pak War of 1947. Growing up in a family with a strong military background, Arun was exposed to the values of discipline, duty, and sacrifice from a young age. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, one of the oldest and most respected boarding schools in the country.
After completing his schooling, Arun joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967, where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. He was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, an armored regiment that had a long and distinguished history of bravery and sacrifice. Arun’s time at the NDA and his early days in the army were marked by hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose. He was determined to make a name for himself as a brave and capable officer, and to make his family and country proud.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a defining moment in Arun’s life and career. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India supported the Bengali nationalist movement against the Pakistani military. Arun’s regiment, the 17 Poona Horse, was deployed in the Shakargarh sector, where they faced off against a large and well-entrenched Pakistani force. On December 16, 1971, Arun’s unit was tasked with attacking a heavily fortified Pakistani position in the village of Basantar.
As the Indian tanks rolled into the village, they were met with intense artillery and small arms fire. Arun, who was just 21 years old at the time, was commanding a troop of three tanks. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Arun led his troop with courage and determination, taking out several Pakistani tanks and infantry positions. However, during the battle, Arun’s tank was hit by a Pakistani shell, and he was severely injured.
Despite his injuries, Arun refused to abandon his tank or his comrades. He continued to fight, directing his gunner to take out the remaining Pakistani positions. As the battle raged on, Arun’s tank was hit again, and he was fatally wounded. However, he still managed to destroy one more Pakistani tank before succumbing to his injuries. Arun’s bravery and sacrifice that day earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
Arun’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered as a testament to the valor and patriotism of the Indian Armed Forces. The film ‘Ikkis’, which is based on Arun’s life, promises to be a thrilling and emotional ride, with Agastya Nanda bringing Arun’s story to life on the big screen.
The film’s title, ‘Ikkis’, is a reference to Arun’s age when he died, just 21 years old. The film’s trailer, which was released recently, gives a glimpse into the life of this young and brave officer, who gave his life for his country. The film is expected to be a fitting tribute to Arun’s memory, and a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Armed Forces in the line of duty.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is a shining example of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism. His life and legacy continue to inspire Indians to this day, and his story is a reminder of the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices of our armed forces. The film ‘Ikkis’ promises to be a thrilling and emotional ride, and we can’t wait to see Agastya Nanda bring Arun’s story to life on the big screen.
Watch the trailer of ‘Ikkis’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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