Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been generating a lot of buzz, particularly because it marks the debut of Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda. The young actor plays the role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. As the film’s release date approaches, many are curious to know more about the real-life hero who inspired the movie. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and legacy of Arun Khetarpal, a true patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, into a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a decorated army officer, and his mother, Mrs. Raj Khetarpal, was a homemaker. Arun was the eldest of three siblings, and from a young age, he was instilled with the values of discipline, hard work, and patriotism. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he excelled in academics and sports.
In 1967, Arun joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 17 Poona Horse regiment in June 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, marked by the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistani rule. The war saw some of the most intense and brutal fighting, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Arun Khetarpal, just 21 years old at the time, found himself in the thick of the action, leading a troop of tanks in the Sialkot sector.
On December 16, 1971, Arun’s unit was tasked with attacking a heavily fortified Pakistani position in the Basantar River area. As they approached the enemy lines, they came under heavy fire, and Arun’s tank was hit, killing the driver and injuring the gunner. Despite being wounded himself, Arun refused to abandon his tank and continued to fight, taking out several enemy positions and inflicting heavy casualties.
However, as the battle raged on, Arun’s tank was hit again, and he was fatally wounded. As he lay dying, he radioed his commanding officer, saying, “No use crying over spilt milk. I have completed my task. I have destroyed the enemy tanks. Now you take me out of here.” These words have become legendary in Indian military history, symbolizing the bravery, selflessness, and sense of duty that defined Arun Khetarpal’s life.
Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor, for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice. His legacy has inspired countless Indians, and his story has been told and retold in various forms of media, including films, books, and documentaries.
The film ‘Ikkis’, starring Agastya Nanda, is the latest attempt to bring Arun Khetarpal’s story to the big screen. The movie promises to be an action-packed, emotional rollercoaster, with Agastya Nanda bringing to life the heroism and vulnerability of the young army officer. As the film’s release date approaches, audiences are eagerly waiting to see how the story of Arun Khetarpal is told and retold for a new generation.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is a testament to the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism that defines the Indian Army. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate Indians, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of duty, honor, and country. As we look forward to the release of ‘Ikkis’, we pay tribute to the memory of Arun Khetarpal, a true hero who will always be remembered as a symbol of Indian valor and courage.
For more information, you can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch.
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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