Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, is all set to make his Bollywood debut with the film ‘Ikkis’, where he plays the role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Khetarpal, who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune into a distinguished military family. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar before joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Khetarpal, and it is expected to inspire a new generation of Indians with his story.
Arun Khetarpal’s family had a long history of military service, and it was only natural that he would follow in their footsteps. 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. Arun’s mother, Sunita Khetarpal, was also from a military family, and she instilled in her son the values of courage, discipline, and patriotism from a young age.
Khetarpal’s education at the Lawrence School in Sanawar was instrumental in shaping his personality and character. The school, which was founded in 1847, has a long tradition of producing military leaders and officers who have served with distinction in the Indian Armed Forces. Khetarpal was an outstanding student and athlete, and he was known for his bravery, leadership skills, and sense of justice.
After completing his schooling, Khetarpal joined the NDA in 1967, where he underwent rigorous training and education to become a military officer. He was commissioned into the 17th Poona Horse, a cavalry regiment of the Indian Army, in June 1971. At the time, the Indo-Pak War was looming on the horizon, and Khetarpal was eager to prove himself in battle.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a pivotal moment in Indian history, and it marked a significant turning point in the country’s relations with its neighbor. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India supported the Mukti Bahini, a guerrilla force fighting for independence from Pakistan. The Indian Army played a crucial role in the war, and Khetarpal’s regiment, the 17th Poona Horse, was at the forefront of the battle.
On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s unit was tasked with attacking a Pakistani position in the Shakargarh sector, near the town of Basantar. The enemy was well-entrenched and had a significant advantage in terms of artillery and manpower. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Khetarpal led his troop of tanks into battle, and they fought valiantly against the Pakistani forces.
As the battle raged on, Khetarpal’s tank was hit by an enemy shell, and he was severely injured. However, he refused to abandon his tank and continued to fight, even as his comrades were falling around him. In the end, Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice paid off, and the Indian Army emerged victorious. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his gallantry and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds.
Arun Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and it serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. The film ‘Ikkis’, which is based on his life, is a fitting tribute to his memory and a testament to the enduring power of his legacy. Agastya Nanda, who plays the role of Khetarpal in the film, has said that he was deeply moved by the Second Lieutenant’s story and felt honored to be playing the role.
The film ‘Ikkis’ is expected to release soon, and it is generating a lot of buzz among moviegoers. The film’s trailer, which was released recently, shows Agastya Nanda in the role of Khetarpal, and it gives a glimpse into the brave and selfless actions of the Second Lieutenant during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The film is expected to be a fitting tribute to Khetarpal’s memory, and it is likely to inspire a new generation of Indians with his story.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and it serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. The film ‘Ikkis’, which is based on his life, is a fitting tribute to his memory and a testament to the enduring power of his legacy. Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of Khetarpal is expected to be a highlight of the film, and it is likely to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
To watch the trailer of ‘Ikkis’ and learn more about Arun Khetarpal’s story, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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