Arun Khetarpal, a name synonymous with courage and sacrifice, continues to inspire generations as the hero of the 1971 Battle of Basantar. His extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication to his duty have etched his name in the annals of Indian military history. Now, his story is set to captivate audiences once again with the upcoming film "Ikkis," scheduled to release on January 1, 2026.
Born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra, Arun Khetarpal hailed from a family with a strong military background. Following in the footsteps of his forefathers, he joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967 and was commissioned into the 17th Poona Horse regiment on June 13, 1971.
Barely six months into his service, the young officer found himself in the midst of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. During the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh sector, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal played a pivotal role in thwarting the enemy's advance. On December 16, 1971, when the squadron commander of 'B' Squadron, the Poona Horse asked for reinforcement, Khetarpal, who was in 'A' Squadron, voluntarily moved along with his troops to assist the other squadron.
En route, Khetarpal and his troops encountered heavy fire from enemy strong points and RCL gun nests. Undeterred, he fearlessly assaulted the enemy positions, overrunning them and capturing enemy infantry and weapon crews at pistol point. A fierce tank battle ensued at Jarpal, where the Pakistani Armour counter-attacked with superior strength. Khetarpal, commanding his Centurion tank "Famagusta", and his crew members Sowar Prayag Singh (the driver), Sowar Nand Singh (the radio operator), Sowar Nathu Singh (the gunner), fought valiantly, destroying several enemy tanks.
Despite being severely wounded and his tank engulfed in flames, Khetarpal refused to abandon his post. Realizing that a retreat would allow the enemy to break through, he continued to engage the enemy, destroying another tank before his own was struck again, leading to his death. His last words were: “No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get these bas****s”. By the end of the battle, Khetarpal is credited with having destroyed approximately 10 enemy tanks.
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal's extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice prevented a Pakistani breakthrough, ensuring the Indian Army secured Shakargarh. For his exceptional bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration. He was cremated near Samba district, and his ashes were sent to his family. His tank, "Famagusta," was later captured by Pakistan but eventually returned to the Indian military and is now on display in India.
His story of valor will soon be depicted in "Ikkis," directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal, alongside Dharmendra. The film aims to capture the spirit of sacrifice, duty, and the indomitable courage displayed by the young officer. A special screening of the film was held recently, and Arun Khetarpal's brother, Mukesh Khetarpal, was deeply moved by Agastya Nanda's portrayal, stating that Agastya would be "Arun for life".
"Ikkis" promises to be a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a true hero who continues to inspire generations with his unwavering courage and supreme sacrifice.
