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 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. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a biographical war drama that aims to bring to life the extraordinary story of Arun Khetarpal, a hero who sacrificed his life for the nation.
Arun Khetarpal’s family had a long history of serving in the Indian Army. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a decorated officer who had served in World War II. Growing up in a military family, Arun was exposed to the values of discipline, duty, and patriotism from a young age. He was an exceptional student and an outstanding sportsman, excelling in hockey, football, and athletics. After completing his schooling from Lawrence School, Sanawar, Arun joined the NDA in 1967, where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army.
Arun Khetarpal was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, an armoured regiment of the Indian Army, on June 13, 1971. Just a few months later, he found himself in the midst of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, where India supported the Mukti Bahini, a rebel group fighting for independence from Pakistan. Arun’s regiment was deployed in the Shakargarh sector, where they faced fierce resistance from the Pakistani Army.
On December 16, 1971, Arun Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice would earn him a place in the annals of Indian military history. His regiment was tasked with capturing the strategic town of Basantar, which was heavily fortified by the Pakistani Army. As the Indian troops advanced, they came under heavy fire from the enemy. Arun, who was just 21 years old at the time, was commanding a troop of tanks when he came face to face with a Pakistani tank regiment.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Arun Khetarpal refused to retreat. He engaged the enemy tanks, destroying several of them, and continued to push forward. However, his own tank was hit, and he was fatally wounded. As he lay dying, Arun Khetarpal’s last words were, “No, I will not withdraw. We will fight it out.” His bravery and sacrifice inspired his comrades to fight on, and they eventually captured the town of Basantar.
Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour, for his exceptional bravery and sacrifice. His story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his legacy continues to motivate young officers in the Indian Army. The film ‘Ikkis’ aims to bring his story to life, and Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of Arun Khetarpal is highly anticipated.
The film ‘Ikkis’ is not just a biographical drama but also a tribute to the Indian Army and its brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. The film’s director, Vijay Maurya, has said that he was inspired by Arun Khetarpal’s story and wanted to bring it to the big screen. The film’s cast, including Agastya Nanda, has undergone extensive training to portray the characters accurately.
The release of ‘Ikkis’ is expected to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The film’s trailer has already generated a lot of buzz, and audiences are eagerly waiting to watch the film. Agastya Nanda’s debut is highly anticipated, and his portrayal of Arun Khetarpal is expected to be a highlight of the film.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to us all. His bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism are values that we should all strive to emulate. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to his legacy, and we hope that it will inspire a new generation of Indians to learn about their country’s history and the heroes who have shaped it.
Watch the film’s trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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