Making his theatrical debut, Agastya Nanda will be next seen in Sriram Raghavan’s intense war movie after appearing in Zoya Akhtar’s web series, Archies. Immortalising the war hero, Arun Khetarpal, Nanda portrays the youngest recipient of the Vir Chakra who fought with extreme valour during the 1971 war. However, making headlines after his sudden health scare is veteran Bollywood actor, Dharmendra. The 89-year-old also plays the father of Nanda, ML Khetarpal.
Featuring alongside stars like Jaideep Ahlawat and Dharmendra, this is a big break for Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda. But, let’s shift the focus to Dharmendra, as he is set to return to the big screen on December 25 with his Christmas release, Ikkis.
Who is Brigadier ML Khetarpal?
Father of Arun Khetarpal, Dharmendra, embodies the role of Brigadier ML Khetarpal in Ikkis. Instilling the feeling of valour and patriotism in his son, he shares several inspiring war anecdotes throughout the movie. A major motivator behind young Arun Khetarpal’s decision to join the Indian Army, his father held intense honour for the country.
During his time in service, ML Khetarpal served in the Indian Army’s Engineering Corps till he retired. After his tenure, he continued to commemorate his son’s legacy, who valiantly gave his life during the Battle of Basantar in 1971 at the tender age of 21. He gave immense paternal guidance to his son as Arun carried on his legacy in the battlefield. Hailing from a family of military men, Brigadier Khetarpal’s father and grandfather served in the Indian army, too.
Father faces son’s killer
Years later, after Lt. Arun Khetarpal‘s brave act in the battlefield, his father came face to face with the Pakistani Brigadier who killed his son. Three decades later, in 2001, the 81-year-old father visited Sargodha, his birthplace in Pakistan. There, he met Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naser, who became his guide throughout the visit. Naser went out of his way to ensure his comfort and even invited him to stay at his place.
However, things took a turn the night before his departure, Brigadier Naser confessed to Brig. ML Khetarpal and said, “I am the man who killed him,” referring to his son, Arun Khetarpal. “Your son was on the opposite side, standing like a rock. His courage was exemplary,” Naser had remarked. It was only after Arun Khetarpal became a decorated war hero, that he realised his young age.