Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been generating a lot of buzz, especially with the news that Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, will be playing the lead role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. But who is Arun Khetarpal, and what makes his story so inspiring that it has been made into a film? In this blog post, we will delve into the life of this brave soldier and explore his pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune into a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a retired army officer, and his mother, Mrs. Radha Khetarpal, was a homemaker. Arun was the youngest of three siblings, and from a young age, he was drawn to the military way of life. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he excelled in academics and sports.
After completing his schooling, Arun joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967. He was just 17 years old at the time and was determined to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a soldier. At the NDA, Arun underwent rigorous training and proved himself to be a talented and dedicated cadet. He was commissioned into the Indian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1971 and was assigned to the 17 Poona Horse regiment.
It was during the 1971 Indo-Pak War that Arun Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice would earn him a place in Indian military history. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India supported the Bangladeshi independence movement against Pakistan. Arun’s regiment was deployed in the Shakargarh sector, where they faced off against the Pakistani army.
On December 16, 1971, Arun Khetarpal’s unit was tasked with attacking a Pakistani position in the Basantar River area. As they approached the enemy lines, they came under heavy fire, and Arun’s tank was hit. Despite being wounded, Arun continued to fight, and his bravery inspired his comrades to push forward. In the ensuing battle, Arun’s tank was destroyed, and he was killed in action.
Arun Khetarpal’s sacrifice did not go in vain. His bravery and selflessness had inspired his fellow soldiers to fight on, and they eventually managed to capture the Pakistani position. Arun’s actions that day earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, which was awarded to him posthumously.
The story of Arun Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice 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 of such a brave soldier. The film promises to be an action-packed and emotional tribute to Arun Khetarpal’s memory, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release.
Arun Khetarpal’s legacy extends far beyond the film, however. He is remembered as a hero and a role model by the Indian Army and the nation as a whole. His bravery and sacrifice serve as an inspiration to young people everywhere, and his story is a reminder of the importance of patriotism, duty, and selflessness.
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’ promises to be a fitting tribute to his memory, and we can’t wait to see Agastya Nanda bring Arun’s story to life on the big screen.
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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