The Indian movie industry has often told brave stories of the Indian Army in the past. There have been iconic movies such as Border, Lakshya, and Shershaah, which are based on Indian Army heroes. Now, Agastya Nanda is all set to play the role of real-life hero, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, in the movie, Ikkis. Arun was born in Pune on October 14, 1950, and came from a family line of soldiers. His great-grandfather was a part of the Sikh Khalsa Army, while his grandfather had fought World War I.
Arun’s father, Lt Col (later Brigadier) ML Khetarpal, was also an officer back in the Indian Army Corps of Engineers. Arun was a student who had high calibre in studies and also in extracurricular activities. He had joined the prestigious National Defence Academy at the age of 16-17 and then led his squadron. Arun then passed out from the Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the battalion of the 17 Poona Horse.
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s early life
Arun’s family was from Sargodha, now in Pakistan, and then had migrated to India post the partition. Arun was the elder sibling and also had a brother called Mukesh Khetarpal. They always had a strong foundation based on values related to discipline and also on national service. It had somehow changed the way Arun looked into things. Arun had gone to The Lawrence School in Sanwar, Himachal Pradesh, where he was known for his active participation in sports.
Arun Khetarpal sacrificed his life at the age of 21 during the Battle of Basantar
It was on December 16, 1971, when Pakistan launched a big counterattack in the Jarpal and Shakargarh area. Officially, the India-Pakistan War began in 1971, and at that time, Arun was in Ahmednagar, attending his Young Officers’ course. He was called to join his unit, the 17 Poona Horse, where he was commissioned. For the unversed, it was a part of the 47th Infantry Brigade and was tasked with varied operations all under the Shakargarh Sector. On the way, Arun had encountered many strong enemy points, and guns were in reckless action. Arun then had overrun these positions, captured the enemy infantry and also the weapon crews at point-blank range. This way, the paths were cleared towards the B squadron. In the next tank engagements, Arun and his troop destroyed 10 heavily armoured enemy tanks.
What were the last words used by Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal before his demise?
In the fierce tank battle, Arun’s tank got hit. He was wounded and was told to abandon his mount, but he refused to listen to the command. He knew that letting the enemy go would allow them to break in, and Arun kept fighting till his last breath until he was martyred. Arun had destroyed four of the ten enemy tanks, and at the same time, there were two Indian tanks that met with casualties. One had been hit and the other had a mechanical failure. The third tank was of 2nd Lt Khetarpal that had also got a shot and it was consumed in flames. When the Commander of the troop had ordered 2nd Lt Khetarpal to board the burning tank, he knew he had a breakthrough, and Khetarpal told his Commander that he was all set to take charge and also destroy the enemy tanks. His words were:
“No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards.”
The brave officer met his end, preventing the enemy from entering. For his bravery in the face and eyes of the enemy, martyred, 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously. Arun’s active service career as an officer was short. The young and brave officer was martyred, unfortunately, within six months of his service. Arun had become the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, as at the mere age of 21, he gave his life serving the nation.
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s service to the nation will always be immortal. On the occasion of his birthday on October 14, 2025, Team BollywoodShaadis remembers the sacrifices made by the officer for the nation.
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