Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been making waves in the Indian film industry, with Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, playing the lead role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is a biographical drama that tells the story of Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. But who was Arun Khetarpal, and what makes his story so inspiring?
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra, into a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a decorated army officer, and his mother, Mrs. Sujata Khetarpal, was a homemaker. Khetarpal’s family had a long history of military service, and it was only natural that he would follow in his father’s footsteps.
Khetarpal studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh, where he developed a strong sense of discipline and duty. He was an excellent student and an avid sportsman, excelling in hockey, football, and athletics. After completing his schooling, Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967, where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army.
Khetarpal’s time at the NDA was marked by hard work and dedication. He was a cadet who took his training very seriously, and his instructors praised him for his exceptional leadership skills and bravery. After graduating from the NDA, Khetarpal was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, an armored regiment of the Indian Army, in June 1971.
Just a few months after his commissioning, Khetarpal found himself in the midst of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India supported the separatist movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Khetarpal’s regiment was deployed in the Shakargarh sector, where they faced off against the Pakistani Army.
On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s regiment was tasked with capturing the Pakistani Army’s strongholds in the Shakargarh sector. Khetarpal, who was just 21 years old at the time, led a troop of tanks into battle, despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned. As they approached the enemy’s position, Khetarpal’s tank was hit by a Pakistani shell, but he refused to abandon his vehicle.
Despite being wounded, Khetarpal continued to fight, inspiring his comrades to do the same. He single-handedly destroyed several Pakistani tanks and infantry positions, before being fatally wounded in the battle. Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice did not go in vain, as his regiment was able to capture the Pakistani Army’s strongholds, paving the way for India’s victory in the war.
Khetarpal’s actions on that day earned him the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor, posthumously. The PVC is awarded to soldiers who display exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of the enemy, and Khetarpal’s actions on December 16, 1971, are still remembered as one of the most inspiring examples of bravery in Indian military history.
Arun Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to Khetarpal’s memory, and Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of the young officer is sure to bring his story to life on the big screen.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal was a true hero of the Indian Army, who gave his life for his country in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. His bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered, and his story will continue to inspire generations of Indians to come. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a fitting tribute to Khetarpal’s memory, and we can’t wait to see Agastya Nanda bring his 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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