Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, is all set to make his acting debut with the film ‘Ikkis’, where he plays the role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is a biographical drama that showcases the bravery and sacrifice of Khetarpal, who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. As the film’s release date approaches, many are curious to know more about the real-life hero who inspired the movie.
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. Growing up in a family with a strong military background, Arun was exposed to the values of discipline, duty, and patriotism from a young age. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he developed a strong foundation in academics and extracurricular activities.
After completing his schooling, Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967, where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. He was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment in June 1971, just a few months before the outbreak of the Indo-Pak War. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, where India supported the separatist movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) against the Pakistani government.
On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s unit, the 17 Poona Horse, was tasked with capturing the strategic town of Basantar in Pakistan’s Shakargarh sector. The Pakistani army had heavily fortified the area, and the Indian troops faced intense artillery and small arms fire as they advanced. Khetarpal, who was just 21 years old at the time, was commanding a troop of tanks when he came under attack by a Pakistani tank regiment.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Khetarpal showed exceptional bravery and leadership, destroying several enemy tanks and inflicting heavy casualties on the Pakistani army. However, during the battle, his tank was hit by an enemy shell, and he was severely injured. Refusing to abandon his tank and his crew, Khetarpal continued to fight, even as his tank was on fire.
Khetarpal’s actions that day were nothing short of heroic. He destroyed several enemy tanks, including one that was just 100 yards away from his own tank. His bravery and sacrifice inspired his fellow soldiers, who were able to capture the town of Basantar and ultimately win the battle. Khetarpal, however, succumbed to his injuries and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor, for his exceptional courage and sacrifice.
The Param Vir Chakra is awarded to soldiers who show extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of the enemy. Khetarpal’s PVC citation reads: “Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Poona Horse, showed exceptional bravery and leadership during the battle of Basantar. He destroyed several enemy tanks and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, despite being severely injured. His actions were a shining example of courage, duty, and sacrifice, and will always be remembered as an inspiration to the Indian Army.”
Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to many, and his bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered as a testament to the Indian Army’s valor and patriotism. The film ‘Ikkis’, which is based on his life, promises to bring his story to the big screen, and Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of the young officer is highly anticipated.
As the film’s release date approaches, many are eager to see how Khetarpal’s story will be brought to life on the big screen. The film’s trailer, which was released recently, shows Agastya Nanda in action, and his performance has already generated a lot of buzz. The film is expected to be a fitting tribute to Khetarpal’s memory, and will hopefully inspire a new generation of Indians to learn about the country’s rich military history and the sacrifices made by its soldiers.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Army’s soldiers, who have always put their country’s interests above their own. His actions during the 1971 Indo-Pak War will always be remembered as an inspiration to the nation, and his legacy will continue to live on through the film ‘Ikkis’ and other tributes to his memory.
Watch the trailer of ‘Ikkis’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch
News source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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