Ikkis Real Story: The real story of Ikkis starts with a young officer who had done everything right up until the point at which accuracy was no longer sufficient. In December 1971, at the age of 21, Arun Khetarpal was in charge of a Centurion tank at Basantar. This is the true story of the movie Ikkis. If you haven't guessed, the movie's title reveals Arun Khetarpal's age at the time of his death while defending his nation. Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat play important roles in the battle drama.
Ikkis is based on the adventures of a young Indian Army commander during the 1971 Indo-Pak War's Battle of Basantar. It chronicles the events that put a recently commissioned tank commander at the centre of a pivotal conflict that would have a long-lasting effect on the military history of the nation.
Who Was War Hero Arun Khetarpal?
On October 14, 1950, Arun Khetarpal was born in Pune into a family that had a long history of military service. His grandfather, who served in World War I, is said to have been the first member of his family to serve the country. His father, represented by Dharmendra in the movie, was a Brigadier in the Indian Army.
Arun Khetarpal attended The Lawrence School in Sanawar and St. Columba's School in Delhi before enrolling in the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967 (38th Course, Foxtrot Squadron). He attended the Indian Military Academy (IMA) to continue his training after the NDA.
Arun Khetarpal was formally commissioned as an officer in the 17 Poona Horse regiment on June 13, 1971. When the Indo-Pak War of 1971 broke out, he had only been in the army for six months. He was enrolled in a training program at the time, but he was called right away to join his unit on the front lines in the Shakargarh region.
When Arun Khetarpal Destroyed 4 Enemy Tanks
The 17 Poona Horse were sent to secure a passage over the Basantar River on December 16, 1971. However, Pakistan's Patton tanks launched a formidable counterattack. Arun Khetarpal willingly travelled to reinforce the 'B' Squadron and attacked enemy posts while in charge of his Centurion tank, Famagusta.
The war hero destroyed four enemy tanks during the intense tank combat. He was seriously hurt when his own tank was struck and caught fire. He famously said over the radio, "No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank," in response to his superior's order to leave the flaming tank. I'll get these b*****ds because my primary gun is still functional."
Before his tank was hit a second time, Arun Khetarpal kept firing and destroyed another enemy tank at close range. He received the Param Vir Chakra after his death. At Ahmednagar's Armoured Corps Centre and School, his tank, Famagusta, is conserved.
Ikkis Movie Cast
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the most significant part in Ikkis, is played by Agastya Nanda. Legendary actor Dharmendra's posthumous release is commemorated with this war drama. Dharmendra portrays Arun Khetarpal's father, Brigadier ML Khetarpal. The character of Jaideep Ahlawat is initially presented as just Naseer. Naseer turns out to be Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer, the Pakistani officer who opened fire on Arun Khetarpal's tank at the Battle of Basantar.