Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been generating a lot of buzz, and one of the main reasons is the inspiring true story it is based on. Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, plays the role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in the film. 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.
Arun Khetarpal’s family had a long history of serving in the Indian Army, 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 grandfather had also served in the British Indian Army. With such a strong military background, Arun was drawn to the army from a young age and was determined to make a career out of it.
After completing his education at the Lawrence School, Arun joined the NDA in 1967. He was an outstanding cadet and excelled in various fields, including sports and academics. He was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment of the Indian Army in 1971, just a few months before the outbreak of the Indo-Pak War.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a pivotal moment in Indian history, and Arun Khetarpal played a crucial role in it. On December 16, 1971, Arun’s unit was tasked with capturing the strategic location of Barapind in Pakistan’s Shakargarh sector. The Pakistani army had heavily fortified the area, and the Indian army faced stiff resistance. Arun, who was just 21 years old at the time, led the charge against the enemy positions.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Arun and his team fought bravely, taking out several enemy tanks and infantry positions. However, during the battle, Arun’s tank was hit by an enemy shell, and he was fatally injured. As he lay dying, Arun refused to abandon his tank and continued to fight, inspiring his comrades to do the same.
Arun’s bravery and sacrifice did not go in vain. The Indian army was able to capture the strategic location of Barapind, which gave them a significant advantage in the war. Arun’s actions also inspired his fellow soldiers to fight with renewed courage and determination.
For his bravery and sacrifice, Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor. He was just 21 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
The story of Arun Khetarpal is an inspiring one, and it is no wonder that it has been made into a film. Agastya Nanda, who plays the role of Arun in ‘Ikkis’, has said that he was deeply inspired by Arun’s story and felt honored to be playing the role. The film is expected to be a tribute to Arun’s bravery and sacrifice, and it is hoped that it will inspire a new generation of Indians to learn about their country’s history and heroes.
Arun Khetarpal’s legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. He is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of serving their country, and his story is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by countless soldiers and their families. His bravery and selflessness are an example to us all, and his memory will continue to be honored and celebrated for generations to come.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal was a true hero of the Indian Army, and his story is an inspiring one that deserves to be told and retold. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to his bravery and sacrifice, and it is hoped that it will inspire a new generation of Indians to learn about their country’s history and heroes. Arun’s legacy will continue to live on, and his memory will be honored and celebrated for generations to come.
For more information on the film ‘Ikkis’ and Arun Khetarpal’s story, you can watch the trailer and other related videos on https://www.youtube.com/watch.
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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