Heroic proportions

Varun Dhawan is all set to take up the role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a posthumous recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, in his next film, which will be helmed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan. 

The actor shares, “Playing a soldier has always been my dream. After I heard Arun Khetrapal’s story, I was honestly shocked that this could actually happen. I understood why Dinoo and Sriram were so passionate about it. And after I met Arun’s brother Mukesh Khetarpal I was moved; I too have a brother and I can’t fathom what he must have gone through. This is a story which needs to be told and it’s a responsibility for us to tell it correctly. This is the most important film of my career and I’m so excited to start work with Sriram again. I hope all Indians will feel proud once they hear this story.”

For producer Dinesh Vijan, this biopic is more than just a film. Known for investing in cinema that usually tells unique tales, this biopic is his first. Dinesh says, “Arun Khetarpal was one of Poona Horse’s most celebrated lieutenants. When Mukesh Khetarpal (brother) narrated his story in Delhi, we were enamoured by his bravery but what connected me more was Arun’s equation with his father, the bond that one shares with his father is usually left unsaid. I lost my father five years ago and I miss him everyday, with this film I hope to shine some light on the boy who became a man, a reflection of his father. It’s a huge responsibility to make this biopic, we are indebted to the family and to the Poona Horse regiment for allowing us the honor of telling Arun’s story.”