Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been generating a lot of buzz, with Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, making his acting debut in the title role. The film is a biographical drama that tells the story of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and legacy of Arun Khetarpal, the inspiration behind Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’.
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 family with a strong military background, 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 foundation in academics and extracurricular activities.
In 1967, Arun joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. He was a cadet of the 38th course and was known for his exceptional leadership skills, bravery, and sense of duty. After completing his training, Arun was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 17 Poona Horse, an armored regiment of the Indian Army.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a pivotal moment in Arun’s life, as he played a crucial role in the Battle of Basantar. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India supported the Mukti Bahini, a guerrilla force fighting for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Arun’s regiment, the 17 Poona Horse, was deployed in the Shakargarh sector, where they faced off against the Pakistani Army’s 13th Lancers.
On December 16, 1971, Arun’s unit was tasked with capturing the Pakistani Army’s position in the village of Basantar. The enemy was heavily fortified, and the Indian Army faced intense artillery and small arms fire. Arun, who was just 21 years old at the time, led his troop of tanks into the battle, displaying exceptional courage and leadership.
As the battle raged on, Arun’s tank was hit by a Pakistani shell, but he continued to fight, inspiring his comrades to do the same. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Indian Army managed to break through the enemy’s defenses, thanks in large part to Arun’s bravery and tactical genius. However, during the battle, Arun’s tank was hit again, and he was mortally wounded.
Arun’s last words, as reported by his comrades, were: “No use crying over spilt milk. The enemy is still in front of us. Let us go and get them.” These words reflect the spirit of sacrifice and duty that defined Arun’s life and legacy. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of the enemy.
The story of Arun Khetarpal is an inspiration to countless Indians, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by the Indian Army and the nation at large. The film ‘Ikkis’, starring Agastya Nanda, aims to bring Arun’s story to life on the big screen, and we can’t wait to see how the young actor portrays this hero of the Indian Army.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal was a true hero of the Indian Army, whose bravery, leadership, and sense of duty inspired his comrades and earned him the highest military honor in the land. His story is a testament to the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform, who put their lives on the line to defend the nation. We hope that the film ‘Ikkis’ will do justice to Arun’s legacy and inspire a new generation of Indians to emulate his values of courage, patriotism, and selflessness.
You can watch the trailer of ‘Ikkis’ and learn more about Arun Khetarpal’s story at https://www.youtube.com/watch.
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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