Meet Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal, the real-life war hero played by Agastya Nanda in Ikkis

Ikkis marks Agastya Nanda's theatrical debut, and the film is all set to hit cinemas on January 1, 2026. In the film, Agastya plays Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal.

Agastya Nanda plays Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal in Ikkis

Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is an upcoming war drama. It stars Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, Agastya Nanda, late actor Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat. Ikkis was originally scheduled for a December 25, 2025, release, but it has been postponed and now will hit cinemas on January 1, 2026. In Ikkis, Agastya will play the role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. This article will narrate who Arun Khetarpal was.

Who was Arun Khetarpal?

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was a young Indian Army officer and tank commander. He displayed extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and became a posthumous recipient of India's highest military award, the Param Vir Chakra, for his heroic actions at the Battle of Basantar. During this battle, he destroyed multiple enemy tanks before being killed in battle at just 21 years old.

During this intense tank battle in the Shakargarh sector, Khetarpal responded to the call for help and led his troops to fight the superior Pakistani forces. He commanded a Centurion tank named "Famagusta," single-handedly overrunning enemy strongpoints and destroying several enemy tanks.

He continued the fight, destroying more enemy tanks until his own tank was hit again, killing him but halting the Pakistani attack. His valour, earning him the Param Vir Chakra, cemented his place as an Indian war hero, inspiring future generations and leading to a biopic film titled 'Ikkis'.

Born into a military family, Khetarpal attended the Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the 17th Poona Horse Regiment a few months before the war. He died on December 16, 1971, becoming one of India's youngest decorated heroes.

About Ikkis

Ikkis is a 2026 Hindi war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan, telling the true story of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (played by Agastya Nanda).

The film also stars Dharmendra as his father, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Rahul Dev, shedding light on themes of sacrifice, duty, and the emotional realities of young soldiers in war.

Also Read: Ikkis First Review Out: Agastya Nanda-Dharmendra's film has 'great deal of realism'

Ikkis FAQs

Q: Who plays the lead role in Ikkis?

A: Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, Agastya Nanda, will play the lead role, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, in Ikkis.

Q: Where to watch Ikkis after its theatrical run?

A: After its theatrical run, Ikkis will be released on Amazon Prime Video.

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