New Year 2026 will start with a bang for Hindi film industry as Ikkis will be released in theaters on January 1, 2026. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is inspired by true events of 1971 India-Pakistan war. Ikkis revolves around the true story of Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal, who refused to abandon his tank and continue to fight against Pakistanis during Battle of Basantar.
According to reports, Ikkis is also the last movie of late Bollywood actor Dharmendra. Apart from Dharmendra, Ikkis also features Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Jaideep Ahlawat as Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer, Suhasini Mulay as Maheshwari Khetarpal, and more in the key roles.
Since you have landed on this page, True Scoop assumes that you are digging deep into Ikkis True Story or Ikkis Real Story and who was real life Arun Khetarpal. Continue reading below to know all about Arun Khetarpal-
Hailing from Pune, Arun Khetarpal joined the 38th Course at the National Defence Academy (NDA). He was promoted to Squadron Cadet Captain during his time there. Thereafter. Arun Khetarpal was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment on 13 June 1971. Just 6 months after he was commissioned, he gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for India.
During 1971 Indo-Pakistani War's Battle of Basantar, Arun Khetarpal was a Tank commander. Due to his ultimate valour, Arun Khetarpal is now recognized as the Indian tank ace of aces.
Reports suggest that Arun Khetarpal was credited with 10 confirmed tank kills.
During the battle, instead of abandoning the tank, he continued to fight. He destroyed one final tank before he was finally overwhelmed. However, his actions had denied a vital breakthrough for Pakistani forces and instead put the Indians in a stronger position in the Shakargarh bulge.
His final words over the radio to a superior officer who had ordered him to abandon his burning tank were 'No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank'.
Due to his incredible bravery and ultimate sacrifice, Arun Khetarpal was honoured with India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
