Agastya Nanda, grandson of actors Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, is all set to make his big-screen debut with Sriram Raghavan`s Ikkis. The young actor first appeared in front of the camera with Zoya Akhtar`s Netflix film The Archies in 2023. In December this year, he will be seen in Ikkis. A day after the trailer launch of the film, proud grandmother Jaya spoke about Agastya’s performance and praised him. She also said that her grandson is like her — someone who would not follow the herd.
Jaya Bachchan says Agastya is special
Agastya is the younger child of Shweta Bachchan and Nikhil Nanda. Talking to Bollywood Hungama, Jaya said, “Luckily, Agastya is a fast learner. Neither of his parents are actors, so he’s leaning on his grandparents and his Maamu (uncle) for guidance. You know me, I wouldn’t praise anyone, least of all my own children or grandchildren. But Agastya is special. That child is determined to forge his own path. Just like I once did. Like me, he won’t follow the herd.”
Big B praises Agastya’s Ikkis trailer
Amitabh Bachchan penned a heartfelt note for Agastya in his blog. Recalling how he once held the little one in his hands, he wrote, “Agastya! I held you in my hands as soon as you were born… a few months later, I held you again and your soft fingers reached out to play with my beard. TODAY you play in theatres all over the world.”
The proud grandfather added, “You are SPECIAL… all my prayers and blessings to you. May you ever bring glory to your work and the greatest pride to the family.”
About Ikkis
Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a cinematic adaptation of the real-life story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal — India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, Agastya Nanda brings to life the brave soldier whose heroic deeds and sacrifice have been etched into India’s military history. The film chronicles his journey as a cadet at the National Defence Academy to his role as a tank commander in the 1971 war.
During the Battle of Basantar, his regiment provided crucial armoured support to another unit. Displaying remarkable bravery, Khetarpal destroyed 10 Pakistani tanks before losing his life.
With Agastya Nanda in the lead, the film also stars Simar Bhatia, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Deepak Dobriyal in key roles.