Agastya Nanda opens up on being offered Lt Arun Khetarpal’s role in ‘Ikkis’ at just 21

Agastya Nanda recently opened up about stepping into one of the most challenging roles of his young career when he was offered the part of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in the upcoming film Ikkis at just 21. The actor shared his experience during a session where he was joined by co-stars Simar Bhatia and Jaideep Ahlawat.

Agastya Nanda on getting ‘Ikkis’ at just 21

Speaking at the session titled ‘Tum Bhool Na Jao Unko – Isliye Kahi Ikkis Ki Kahani’, Agastya revealed how the offer took him by surprise.

“The surprising thing is that when this film was offered to me, I was twenty-one years old. That was my first connection with the character and the story,” he said.

Talking about portraying a soldier, he added, “When we talk about a soldier, it is a different connection. It's as simple as when you hear the national anthem, you feel pride.”

The responsibility of portraying a Param Vir Chakra winner

Agastya also spoke about the emotional weight of playing India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient.

“When you are talking about a soldier, especially a Paramvir Chakra, the responsibility and passion for playing that role is on another level. It was really a delight,” he shared.

Reflecting on how the experience shaped him, Agastya added, “I am most grateful for being like a fauji (). Being a fauji is one of the best things. You learn such good manners—how to treat a lady, how to eat at a dining table, and how to address your seniors.”

He continued, “Everybody in the team wanted to do this with honesty... For me, it is a sense of defiance. When I signed the film at 21, I had never done anything brave and will never do. It gives me confidence to be brave in small places in life.”

About ‘Ikkis’

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis brings alive the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal against the backdrop of the 1971 -. Apart from Agastya and Simar Bhatia, the film stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikander Kher, Shree Bishnoi, and the late Dharmendra in a deeply emotional role.

Ikkis is scheduled to hit theatres on December 25 this year.



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