Maddock Films just released the trailer of their newest war movie ‘Ikkis’ starring Agastya Nanda, in his second film feature. The trailer has been getting rave reviews and has sparked conversation on social media platforms with palpable excitement. The plot revolves around the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and the pivotal role that he played during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.
Directed by National Award winner Sriram Raghavan, Nanda steps into the shoes of Second Lieutenant Khetarpal with an ease that belies his relative inexperience in the industry. He channels the innocence and earnestness that comes with being twenty one years old, which was the age of Arun Khetarpal when he was called to action in service of his country, hence the title of the movie and yet he also portrays the bloodthirstiness of a soldier dedicated to the defence of his country and eliminating the enemy. Veteran actor Dharmendra stars in the movie too, playing the role of Arun Khetarpal’s father with a grace that only comes with decades of acting under one’s belt. The movie is set for a December release.
To truly experience the movie in all its glory, viewers must know about the life and legacy of Arun Khetarpal and the aim today is just that. So, the question of the hour is: Who was Arun Khetarpal?
Meet Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the real life hero of the Indo-Pak War of 1971
Arun Khetarpal, born on October 14 1950 into a Punjabi Hindu family, was the younger of two brothers and thus the youngest in his family. He came from a long line of men in military service going back to his great-grandfather who had served in the Sikh Khalsa Army according to the book Bravest of the Brave: Heroes of the Indian Army by Kittu Reddy. His father had served in the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers while his grandfather had served during the First World War. He was destined to protect his country and defence was an inheritance.
He was an excellent student and sportsman both at school and later the National Defence Academy (NDA) which he joined in 1967. According to the same book by Reddy, he belonged to Foxtrot Squadron where he was the Squadron Cadet Captain of the 38th Course. He subsequently went on to join the Indian Military Academy after which he was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment in 1971.
When India went to war with its neighbour, the 17 Poona Horse regiment was assigned to the command of the 47th Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army. The regiment was stationed at Sharkargarh sector where they saw action during the Battle of Basantar. Their main target for that area was to establish a bridgehead across the River Basantar, however enemy activity ensured that they were embroiled in conflict instead.
On December 16 1971, early in the morning a Pakistani armoured regiment launched the first set of counter-attacks on Shakargarh Sector at Jarpal where Indian troops were already outnumbered and in a difficult position due to the extensively mined fields. The squadron leader had previously asked for backup when alarming enemy armour activity was reported.
After receiving this transmission on radio, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal responded and took his troops to reinforce the Indian side of attacks. They were attacked during this progress and realizing that a critical situation was building the Second Lieutenant attacked and took down the ambush alongside Indian tank troops and tank commanders who responded with coolness and accuracy.
However, in a moment of desperation, the Pakistani side attacked again, launching two squadron-level counter-attacks and achieved breakthrough. Arun Khetarpal rushed to subdue this and met the opposing forces in battle. A fierce confrontation then broke out which led to the death of the commander of the second tank. Now, alone in his charge, the young Arun Khetarpal fought valiantly and attacked the Pakistani strong holds. He successfully charged enemy troops and tanks, even managing to knock one out. Even when his tank caught on fire due to due to the exchange of attacks, the Second Lieutenant refused to abandon it and instead continued to fight. His last words to a senior officer when ordered to abandon his post were: “No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get these bastards.”
The Pakistani side unfortunately managed to regroup and launched a stronger offence and Arun Khetarpal, alone with his two tanks and gravely injured, fought valiantly till the end. Before being brutally shot and killed in action the young officer dealt the other side heavy losses by destroying 10 Pakistani Patton tanks. With his sacrifice, he managed to prevent a Pakistani breakthrough and gave India the stronger position in the Shakargarh Bulge. His body and tank, though initially captured by the Pakistani army were eventually returned to India. His tank, “Famagusta” is on display at the Armoured Corps Centre and School in Ahmednagar and its’ battle scars are still visible today.
The legacy of Arun Khetarpal
Having martyred himself in service to the nation, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, which is the highest military decoration of India for his valour and courage. He is one of the award’s youngest recipients at 21 and his legacy will remember him as the fearless Indian tank ace of aces, with 10 confirmed kills. The citation on the Official India Army website for him says:
“Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal had shown the best qualities of leadership, tenacity of purpose and the will to close in with the enemy. This was an act of courage and self-sacrifice far beyond the call of duty.”
Today, he remains a legend and an icon in the Indian Army. Several monuments have been erected in his honour or constructions named after him, such as his statue at Param Yodha Sthal in the National War Memorial, New Delhi, and the parade ground at NDA which is named Khetarpal ground. Arun Khetarpal may have met his death at war decades ago, but he will never truly die – for his life and legend have been immortalised in the hearts and minds of the people of India.