Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been making headlines lately, with Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, playing the lead role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is based on the life of Khetarpal, who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Arun Khetarpal, exploring his early life, military career, and the heroic actions that made him a legend in the Indian Army.
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 who had served in World War II and the Indo-Pak War of 1947. Growing up in a military family, Arun was exposed to the values of discipline, courage, and patriotism from a young age. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he developed a strong sense of leadership and a passion for adventure.
In 1967, Khetarpal 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 war was a pivotal moment in Indian history, with Pakistan launching a surprise attack on Indian forces in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The Indian Army responded with a series of swift and decisive operations, which ultimately led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Khetarpal’s regiment, the 17 Poona Horse, was part of the Indian Army’s armored division, which played a crucial role in the war. On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s unit was tasked with attacking a Pakistani position in the Shakargarh sector. As the Indian tanks advanced, they came under heavy fire from Pakistani artillery and infantry. Khetarpal, who was just 21 years old at the time, displayed exceptional courage and leadership, charging forward with his tank and destroying several Pakistani positions.
Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Khetarpal’s unit fought valiantly, inflicting significant casualties on the Pakistani forces. However, during the battle, Khetarpal’s tank was hit by a Pakistani shell, and he was mortally wounded. As he lay dying, Khetarpal ordered his crew to abandon the tank and escape to safety, refusing to leave his post until the battle was won. His last words, “No, I will not abandon my tank,” have become legendary in the Indian Army, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice that a soldier makes for his country.
Khetarpal’s heroic actions on that day earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, which was awarded to him posthumously. His bravery and selflessness have inspired generations of Indian soldiers, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the Indian Army. The story of Arun Khetarpal’s life and heroism is a testament to the values of courage, duty, and sacrifice that are at the heart of the Indian Army’s ethos.
The film ‘Ikkis’, which is based on Khetarpal’s life, promises to bring his story to the big screen in a powerful and moving way. With Agastya Nanda playing the lead role, the film is expected to be a thrilling and emotional ride, exploring the highs and lows of Khetarpal’s life and military career. The film’s trailer, which was released recently, has already generated a lot of buzz, with many praising Agastya Nanda’s performance and the film’s attention to detail.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s life and heroism are an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of courage, duty, and sacrifice. His story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of the Indian Army, and a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that soldiers make for their country. As we look forward to the release of ‘Ikkis’, we honor the memory of Arun Khetarpal, a true hero of the Indian Army.
Watch the trailer of ‘Ikkis’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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