Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ has been making waves in the Indian film 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, India, 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 of soldiers, Arun was instilled with a sense of patriotism and duty from a young age. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he developed a strong foundation in academics and sports.
In 1967, Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy (NDA), 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 Indo-Pak War was a pivotal moment in Indian history, with the country facing a significant threat from Pakistan. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India supported the separatist movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Khetarpal’s regiment, the 17 Poona Horse, was deployed in the Shakargarh sector, where they faced intense fighting against the Pakistani army.
On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s unit was tasked with capturing the strategic town of Basantar, which was heavily fortified by the Pakistani army. As the Indian troops advanced, they came under heavy fire from the enemy, and Khetarpal’s tank was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Despite being wounded, Khetarpal continued to fight, and his bravery and leadership inspired his troops to push forward.
In the ensuing battle, Khetarpal’s tank was again hit, and he was fatally wounded. However, he refused to abandon his post and continued to fight until his last breath. His actions that day were instrumental in the Indian army’s victory, and he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his bravery and sacrifice have become a symbol of the country’s military valor. The film ‘Ikkis’ aims to bring his story to life, with Agastya Nanda playing the role of the young Second Lieutenant. The film promises to be a thrilling and emotional ride, with action-packed sequences and heart-wrenching moments that will leave audiences moved.
The film’s trailer, which was released recently, gives a glimpse into Khetarpal’s life and his experiences during the war. The trailer shows Agastya Nanda as Khetarpal, fighting bravely on the battlefield and inspiring his troops to follow him. The film’s music, composed by a renowned music director, adds to the emotional impact of the trailer, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian history and military valor.
The film ‘Ikkis’ is not just a biographical drama but also a tribute to the Indian army and its brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country. The film’s release is highly anticipated, and it is expected to do well at the box office. With its inspiring story, thrilling action sequences, and emotional moments, ‘Ikkis’ is a must-watch for anyone who loves Indian cinema and is proud of the country’s military heritage.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered as a symbol of the country’s military valor. The film ‘Ikkis’ aims to bring his story to life, and with Agastya Nanda playing the lead role, it promises to be a thrilling and emotional ride. We can’t wait to watch the film and pay our tribute to this brave soldier who gave his life for the country.
You can watch the trailer of the film ‘Ikkis’ on https://www.youtube.com/watch.
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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