Amitabh Bachchan has expressed his admiration for his grandson Agastya Nanda’s performance in Sriram Raghavan’s war drama film Ikkis. In a heartfelt blog post, he reflected on his memories of holding Agastya as a newborn. In the film, Agastya portrays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who is recognized as India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. Khetarpal heroically fought and ultimately lost his life at the age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Amitabh shares a heartfelt narrative on his blog about the journey of his grandson’s life, from the moment of his birth as his mother, Shweta, was rushed to Breach Candy Hospital, through the first moments of holding him and wondering about the color of his eyes, to precious memories of holding him as a child and him playfully fiddling with his beard. This reflective piece culminates in the grandson’s personal decision to pursue a career in acting, marking significant milestones in their shared familial bond.
He described his emotional response to a performance in a film, highlighting the actor’s ability to capture the essence of the character, Arun Khetarpal, a soldier who bravely defended the nation during the India-Pakistan war of 1971. He emphasized the actor’s maturity and unfiltered honesty in portraying the character, noting that there was nothing superficial—only authenticity in every frame. This viewer, who claims to not be biased due to familial ties, appreciates the film’s flawless presentation, writing, and direction. The experience culminated in a deeply moving conclusion that left him speechless, filled with tears of joy and pride, reflecting a profound sense of personal understanding and connection to the material.
Ikkis is a war drama film directed by Sriram Raghavan, centered around the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film features a cast including Jaideep Ahlawat, the late Dharmendra, Sikander Kher, and Simar Bhatia. Initially scheduled for release on December 25, 2025, the film’s theatrical premiere has been moved to January 1, 2026.
