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 upcoming 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.
Arun Khetarpal’s story is one of courage, valour, and sacrifice, and it is no wonder that his life has inspired a film. As a young officer, Khetarpal was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment of the Indian Army in 1971, just before the outbreak of the Indo-Pak War. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, where India supported the East Pakistani rebels in their fight for independence against Pakistan.
On December 16, 1971, Arun Khetarpal’s regiment was tasked with attacking the Pakistani army’s strongholds in the Shakargarh sector. The Indian Army had launched a massive assault on the Pakistani forces, and Khetarpal’s regiment was at the forefront of the battle. As the Indian troops advanced, they were met with fierce resistance from the Pakistani army, who were well-entrenched in their bunkers and trenches.
Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Khetarpal led his troops with bravery and determination. He fearlessly charged at the enemy positions, taking out several bunkers and trenches, and inflicting heavy casualties on the Pakistani army. However, during the battle, Khetarpal’s tank was hit by a Pakistani shell, and he was severely injured.
Despite his injuries, Khetarpal refused to abandon his tank and continued to fight, inspiring his comrades to do the same. He single-handedly destroyed several enemy tanks and infantry positions, before finally succumbing to his injuries. Khetarpal’s last words to his commander were, “No use crying over what has happened. Now get on with the battle.”
Arun Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice did not go in vain. His regiment was successful in capturing the Pakistani strongholds, and the Indian Army ultimately emerged victorious in the war. Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour, for his exceptional courage and valour in the face of overwhelming odds.
Khetarpal’s story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, who have always put the nation’s interests above their own. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and his story is a reminder of the importance of patriotism, duty, and selflessness.
The film ‘Ikkis’, which is based on Khetarpal’s life, promises to be an action-packed and emotional rollercoaster. Agastya Nanda, who plays the lead role, has undergone extensive training to prepare for the film, including learning horse riding and tank driving. The film’s trailer, which was released recently, has generated a lot of buzz, and fans are eagerly awaiting the film’s release.
In an interview, Agastya Nanda spoke about the challenges of playing the role of Arun Khetarpal. “It was a huge responsibility to play the role of a real-life hero,” he said. “I had to undergo a lot of training and preparation to get into the skin of the character. But it was also a huge honour to play the role of someone who has inspired so many people.”
The film ‘Ikkis’ is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, who is known for his critically acclaimed films like ‘Haider’ and ‘Talvar’. The film also stars Sanya Malhotra and Zain Khan Durrani in key roles. The film’s music has been composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, and the lyrics have been written by Gulzar.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is one of courage, valour, and sacrifice, and it is no wonder that his life has inspired a film. The film ‘Ikkis’, which is based on Khetarpal’s life, promises to be an action-packed and emotional rollercoaster. With Agastya Nanda playing the lead role, and Vishal Bhardwaj at the helm, the film is sure to be a hit. We can’t wait to watch the film and pay tribute to the brave soldier who inspired it.
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