Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The Indian film industry has often drawn inspiration from real-life heroes, and the latest example is the upcoming film ‘Ikkis’, which tells the story of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film features Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, in the lead role, and it is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Arun Khetarpal and explore what makes him an inspiration for the film ‘Ikkis’.
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune into a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a retired officer of the Indian Army, and his mother, Mrs. Radha Khetarpal, was a homemaker. Arun was the youngest of three siblings, and from a young age, he was fascinated by the stories of his father’s bravery in the war. This early exposure to the military life instilled in him a sense of patriotism and a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Arun studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, which is known for its rigorous academic and physical training. The school has a long history of producing distinguished alumni, including several notable military officers. Arun was an average student, but he excelled in sports, particularly boxing and hockey. He was also an avid reader and developed a keen interest in history, which would later serve him well in his military career.
In 1967, Arun joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune. The NDA is a premier military academy that trains cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Arun’s time at the NDA was marked by hard work and determination. He was a disciplined cadet who took his training seriously and quickly rose through the ranks. He graduated from the NDA in 1971 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 17 Poona Horse, a prestigious cavalry regiment of the Indian Army.
Arun’s military career was cut short when he was just 21 years old. On December 16, 1971, during the Indo-Pak War, Arun’s unit was tasked with capturing the town of Basantar in Pakistan. The Indian Army had launched a massive offensive against the Pakistani forces, and Arun’s unit was at the forefront of the battle. As the Indian troops advanced, they came under heavy fire from the Pakistani artillery and infantry.
Arun, who was leading a troop of tanks, charged forward with his unit, despite being heavily outnumbered. He fought valiantly, taking out several enemy tanks and infantry positions. However, his tank was hit by an enemy shell, and he was fatally wounded. As he lay dying, Arun’s last words were, “I will not withdraw. I will not let the enemy get the better of me.” These words have become legendary in Indian military history and are still remembered as a testament to Arun’s bravery and sacrifice.
Arun’s actions on that day earned him the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor. The PVC is awarded to soldiers who display exceptional courage and bravery in the face of the enemy. Arun’s citation for the PVC reads, “Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was a tank commander in a squadron of 17 Poona Horse which was ordered to attack the enemy positions in the area of Jarpal, in the Shakargarh sector. As the squadron was advancing, it came under heavy fire from the enemy’s anti-tank guns and RCL guns. The officer, with utter disregard for his personal safety, charged forward and destroyed the enemy’s anti-tank guns and RCL guns, thus enabling the squadron to advance further.”
Arun’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and it is no wonder that his life has been adapted into a film. ‘Ikkis’ promises to be a thrilling and emotional ride, with Agastya Nanda bringing Arun’s story to life on the big screen. The film’s trailer has already generated a lot of buzz, with many praising Agastya’s performance and the film’s attention to detail.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces. His actions on the battlefield have become legendary, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to Arun’s memory, and it promises to be a fitting tribute to his bravery and sacrifice. As we remember Arun’s story, we are reminded of the importance of patriotism, duty, and courage in the face of adversity.
To watch the trailer of the film ‘Ikkis’, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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