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, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, has taken on the role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in the film ‘Ikkis’. The movie is based on the life of this brave officer who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Arun Khetarpal, exploring his early life, military career, and the events that led to his heroic actions during the war.
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune into a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a decorated officer in the Indian Army, and his mother, Mrs. Radha Khetarpal, was a homemaker. Growing up in a family with a strong military background, Arun was instilled with the values of discipline, duty, and patriotism from a young age. He was the youngest of three siblings, and his family moved frequently due to his father’s postings in various parts of the country.
Arun’s early education took place at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he developed a strong foundation in academics and sports. He was an avid sportsman and excelled in hockey, football, and athletics. 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.
At the NDA, Arun was known for his exceptional leadership skills, courage, and determination. He was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, a renowned cavalry regiment of the Indian Army, on June 13, 1971. As a Second Lieutenant, Arun was posted to the Western Front, where he played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a significant conflict between India and Pakistan, fought over the issue of Bangladesh’s independence. The war began on December 3, 1971, and lasted for 13 days, resulting in the liberation of Bangladesh. During the war, Arun’s unit, the 17 Poona Horse, was tasked with capturing the strategic town of Basantar in Pakistani Punjab.
On December 16, 1971, Arun’s squadron was ordered to attack the Pakistani position in the Basantar River area. As the squadron approached the enemy position, they came under heavy fire from the Pakistani troops. Arun, who was leading the charge, noticed that his commander’s tank had been hit, and he immediately came to his rescue. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Arun engaged the enemy troops, taking out several of their tanks and infantry positions.
During the intense battle, Arun’s tank was hit, and he was severely injured. However, he continued to fight, refusing to abandon his post or his comrades. As the battle raged on, Arun’s tank was hit again, and he succumbed to his injuries. His last words, as reported by his fellow soldiers, were, “No use crying over spilt milk. I have completed my task. You take over.”
Arun’s bravery and selflessness during the Battle of Basantar earned him the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor, posthumously. His actions not only inspired his fellow soldiers but also paved the way for the Indian Army’s victory in the war.
The story of Arun Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice has inspired many, including Agastya Nanda, who plays the role of the Second Lieutenant in the film ‘Ikkis’. The movie aims to bring Arun’s story to the big screen, highlighting his courage, determination, and patriotism. As the film’s release approaches, audiences are eager to learn more about this unsung hero of the Indian Army.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s life and legacy serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Armed Forces in protecting the nation. His bravery, selflessness, and dedication to duty are an inspiration to us all, and his story will continue to be told and retold for generations to come.
To learn more about the film ‘Ikkis’ and Arun Khetarpal’s story, you can watch the official trailer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch.
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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