Agastya Nanda, the grandson of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, is poised to make his cinematic debut in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis, a biographical war film based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India's highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra. After sharing the screen with fellow star kids Suhana Khan and Khushi Kapoor in Zoya Akhtar's The Archies, Nanda is eager to take on the lead role in this highly anticipated project.
Nanda recently unveiled a photograph on Instagram that hints at the film's imminent release. The image depicts the actor elegantly dressed in a white blazer, seated on a brown chair adorned with the number 21 - the Hindi equivalent of the title Ikkis.
Ikkis chronicles the life and valor of Arun Khetarpal, whose extraordinary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war earned him the Param Vir Chakra at the tender age of 21. Nanda's portrayal of this iconic war hero has garnered significant attention.
The role was initially offered to Varun Dhawan, but after careful consideration, director Raghavan decided that Nanda would be a more suitable choice. Nanda's preparation for the role included extensive research and training, as he sought to authentically capture the essence of a soldier's life.
In an interview, Nanda expressed his deep respect and admiration for the Indian Army and its sacrifices. He acknowledged that while his boarding school experience might provide some insights into military life, it could never fully encompass the true nature of the profession.
The film, produced by Dinesh Vijan, began shooting earlier this year and is eagerly awaited by fans of Nanda and war films alike. Nanda's debut in Ikkis is set to mark a significant milestone in his acting career, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.