Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been making waves in the entertainment industry, with Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, playing the lead role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is a biographical drama that tells the story of Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. But who was Arun Khetarpal, and what makes his story so inspiring?
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, into a distinguished military family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a decorated officer in the Indian Army, and his family had a long history of serving in the military. Khetarpal’s early life was marked by a sense of discipline and duty, which would later shape his own career in the army.
Khetarpal studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he excelled in academics and sports. He was an avid athlete and developed a strong sense of leadership, which would serve him well in his future endeavors. 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.
Khetarpal’s time at the NDA was marked by hard work and determination. He was a brilliant student and quickly rose through the ranks, earning the respect of his peers and superiors. After graduating from the NDA, Khetarpal was commissioned into the 17th Poona Horse, a prestigious cavalry regiment in the Indian Army.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a pivotal moment in Khetarpal’s career. As a Second Lieutenant, he was deployed on the eastern front, where he played a crucial role in the Battle of Basantar. The battle was fierce, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Khetarpal’s unit, the 17th Poona Horse, was tasked with capturing a strategic objective, which was heavily defended by the Pakistani army.
On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s unit launched a daring attack on the Pakistani position. The battle was intense, with enemy tanks and infantry putting up a fierce resistance. Khetarpal, undaunted by the overwhelming odds, led his troops with courage and bravery. He destroyed several enemy tanks, including one that was just 100 meters away from his own position.
As the battle raged on, Khetarpal’s tank was hit by enemy fire, and he was grievously injured. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight, inspiring his troops to keep pushing forward. Eventually, the Pakistani position was captured, and the enemy was forced to retreat.
Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his actions during the Battle of Basantar. The citation for his award reads: “Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was a member of the 17th Poona Horse. On 16 December 1971, his unit was tasked with capturing an enemy position in the Shakargarh sector. As his unit was attacking, the enemy opened up with heavy artillery and small arms fire. The officer, undaunted by the overwhelming enemy fire, led his troops with courage and determination. He destroyed several enemy tanks and infantry positions, and when his own tank was hit, he continued to fight, inspiring his troops to keep pushing forward.”
Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The film ‘Ikkis’, which tells his story, is a tribute to his memory and a reminder of the sacrifices made by our armed forces. Agastya Nanda, who plays the role of Khetarpal in the film, has said that he was deeply inspired by Khetarpal’s story and feels honored to be playing the role of such a legendary figure.
The film ‘Ikkis’ is a must-watch for anyone who loves patriotic dramas and is interested in learning more about India’s military history. The film’s trailer, which was released recently, has generated a lot of buzz, with many praising the film’s action sequences and Agastya Nanda’s performance.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces. His actions during the 1971 Indo-Pak War will always be remembered as a symbol of courage and duty. The film ‘Ikkis’, which tells his story, is a tribute to his memory and a reminder of the sacrifices made by our soldiers. We hope that the film will inspire a new generation of Indians to learn more about our military history and to appreciate the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
Watch the trailer of ‘Ikkis’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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