Our Bureau
Mumbai
Abhishek Bachchan publicly cheered his nephew Agastya Nanda for portraying India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming war drama Ikkis. On December 16, Abhishek reposted a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram and X, calling the role “a huge honour and responsibility” for the 25-year-old debutant, son of Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Nikhil Nanda. He praised Agastya’s sincerity, saying, “I am sure you have given him the respect, valour and dignity he truly deserves… May God and the audiences bless you”.
Arun Khetarpal, who sacrificed his life at age 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, emerges as the film’s emotional core, with its release timed near his death anniversary on Vijay Diwas. In the video, Agastya expressed gratitude: “I felt extremely grateful to have the opportunity to play such a famous character in the Indian Army”. The post’s caption honoured Khetarpal’s legacy: “Some lives don’t grow longer, they grow larger”.
Agastya’s sister Navya Nanda also voiced support on Instagram, lauding Khetarpal’s courage: “At 21 he did what most cannot do in a lifetime… his legacy reaches a new generation”. Veteran Dharmendra plays an older Khetarpal in his final role before passing away on November 24.
The Maddock Films production boasts Jaideep Ahlawat, Aadyanshi Kapoor, Simar Bhatia, Ekavali Khanna, Shree Bishnoi, Sikandar Kher, and Akashh Alonia. Ikkis hits cinemas December 25, 2025, blending family endorsement with national heroism ahead of the holidays.
