Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The Indian film industry has always been fascinated by the stories of bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. Recently, it was announced that Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, will be making his acting debut with the film ‘Ikkis’, where he will play the role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is based on the life of this brave soldier, who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and times 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 decorated soldier who had served in the Indian Army for over three decades. Growing up in a military family, 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, which is known for its strong military traditions and has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to serve in the Indian Armed Forces.
After completing his schooling, Arun 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 as a Second Lieutenant in the 17th Poona Horse regiment in June 1971, just a few months before the outbreak of the Indo-Pak War. The 17th Poona Horse is one of the oldest and most decorated regiments of the Indian Army, with a rich history of bravery and sacrifice.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a pivotal moment in Indian history, as it marked the country’s victory over Pakistan and the liberation of Bangladesh. The war was sparked by the Pakistani military’s crackdown on the Bengali population in East Pakistan, which led to a massive refugee crisis in India. The Indian Army was tasked with liberating East Pakistan and defeating the Pakistani military.
Arun Khetarpal played a key role in the war, as he was part of the Indian Army’s armored division that was tasked with breaking through the Pakistani defenses in the Shakargarh sector. On December 16, 1971, Arun’s unit was ambushed by the Pakistani military, and he was tasked with holding off the enemy while his comrades retreated to safety. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Arun fought valiantly, destroying several enemy tanks and inflicting heavy casualties on the Pakistani military.
Tragically, Arun was killed in action on December 16, 1971, during the Battle of Basantar. He was just 21 years old at the time of his death. His bravery and sacrifice did not go in vain, as the Indian Army was able to secure a decisive victory in the war, and Bangladesh was liberated from Pakistani rule.
Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his bravery and sacrifice during the war. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded to soldiers who have shown exceptional courage and valor in the face of the enemy, and it is considered one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a soldier.
The story of Arun Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and it is no wonder that his life has been chosen as the subject of the film ‘Ikkis’. The film, which stars Agastya Nanda in the lead role, promises to be a thrilling and emotional ride, as it explores the life and times of this brave soldier. With its strong patriotic theme and inspiring story, ‘Ikkis’ is sure to resonate with audiences across the country.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal was a true hero of the Indian Army, who showed exceptional bravery and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. His story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that our soldiers make to protect our country and its people. The film ‘Ikkis’, which is based on his life, promises to be a fitting tribute to this brave soldier, and we look forward to seeing it on the big screen soon.
For more information on the film ‘Ikkis’ and the life of Arun Khetarpal, you can visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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