Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been making waves in the entertainment industry, with Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, set to make his acting debut in the title role. The film is a biographical drama that tells the story of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a war hero who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. As the film’s release date approaches, interest in Khetarpal’s life and legacy has been reignited, and many are eager to learn more about the man who inspired the film.
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra, into a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a retired officer of the Indian Army, and his family had a long history of military service. Khetarpal’s early life was marked by a sense of discipline and duty, which would later shape his career as a soldier.
Khetarpal’s educational background was equally impressive. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh, one of the oldest and most respected boarding schools in the country. The school’s emphasis on discipline, hard work, and leadership helped shape Khetarpal’s personality and prepared him for a career in the military.
In 1967, Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. The NDA is one of the most prestigious military academies in the country, and Khetarpal’s admission to the institution was a testament to his academic and physical abilities.
Khetarpal’s military career was marked by distinction and bravery. He was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, a cavalry regiment of the Indian Army, in June 1971. Just a few months later, he found himself in the midst of the Indo-Pak War, which was sparked by Pakistan’s attempts to suppress the independence movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s unit was tasked with attacking a Pakistani position in the Shakargarh sector, near the border with Pakistan. As the Indian troops advanced, they came under heavy fire from the Pakistani army. Khetarpal, who was just 21 years old at the time, showed exceptional bravery and leadership, charging forward with his tank and destroying several enemy positions.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Khetarpal’s unit managed to hold off the Pakistani army, and he was instrumental in securing a crucial victory for the Indian Army. However, during the battle, Khetarpal’s tank was hit by an enemy shell, and he was fatally wounded. As he lay dying, he radioed back to his headquarters, saying, “No withdrawal, I will not withdraw. We will fight it out.”
Khetarpal’s last words have become legendary in Indian military circles, and his bravery and sacrifice have inspired generations of soldiers. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his exceptional courage and leadership during the battle.
The film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to Khetarpal’s life and legacy, and Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of the war hero is expected to bring his story to a wider audience. The film’s title, ‘Ikkis’, refers to Khetarpal’s age at the time of his death, and the story is expected to explore his life, his relationships, and his experiences during the war.
As the film’s release date approaches, interest in Khetarpal’s life and legacy is expected to grow. His story is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Army, and the importance of remembering and honoring the country’s war heroes.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s life and legacy are an inspiration to us all. His bravery, leadership, and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War have become legendary in Indian military circles, and his story continues to inspire generations of soldiers and civilians alike. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to his life and legacy, and Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of the war hero is expected to bring his story to a wider audience.
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