Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The Indian film industry has often drawn inspiration from real-life heroes who have made significant contributions to the country’s history. One such hero is Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a brave Indian Army officer who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. His story has now been brought to the big screen in the film ‘Ikkis’, where Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, portrays the role of Khetarpal. But who was Arun Khetarpal, and what makes his story so inspiring?
Born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, Arun Khetarpal came from a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a veteran of the Indian Army, and his family had a long history of serving the country. Khetarpal’s early life was marked by a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he developed a strong foundation in academics and extracurricular activities.
In 1967, Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. He was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment in June 1971, just a few months before the outbreak of the Indo-Pak War. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India supported the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
Khetarpal’s regiment was deployed in the Shakargarh sector, where they faced intense fighting against the Pakistani Army. On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s unit was tasked with capturing the strategic town of Basantar, which was heavily defended by the Pakistani Army. As the Indian troops approached the town, they came under heavy fire, and Khetarpal’s tank was hit by an anti-tank missile.
Despite being wounded, Khetarpal continued to fight, and his bravery and leadership inspired his men to push forward. He destroyed several Pakistani tanks and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy before his own tank was hit again. Khetarpal was mortally wounded in the battle, but he refused to abandon his tank and continued to fight until his last breath.
Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice did not go unnoticed. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his exceptional courage and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. His story has inspired generations of Indians, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the Indian Army.
The film ‘Ikkis’, which tells Khetarpal’s story, is a tribute to his bravery and sacrifice. Agastya Nanda, who plays the role of Khetarpal, has said that he was deeply inspired by the officer’s story and felt honored to portray him on screen. The film’s trailer has already generated a lot of buzz, and audiences are eagerly waiting to see the story of this real-life hero come alive on the big screen.
Khetarpal’s story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Armed Forces in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. His bravery and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds are an inspiration to us all, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the Indian Army.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and his story has now been brought to the big screen in the film ‘Ikkis’. As we remember Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice, we are reminded of the importance of honoring our real-life heroes and celebrating their contributions to our country’s history.
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
About the Author
