Pankaj Dheer Funeral: Salman Khan Pays Final Tribute at Actor’s Last Rites, Fans Mourn Mahabharat’s Karna
The Indian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic role as Karna in the legendary TV series Mahabharat. His demise has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of millions who grew up admiring his powerful performances and noble screen presence. On the day of his funeral, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan paid his final respects, joining friends, family, and fans in bidding farewell to one of Indian television’s most beloved figures.
Pankaj Dheer: Remembering a Legend
Pankaj Dheer was a name synonymous with dignity, strength, and grace. His portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988) became one of the most memorable performances in Indian television history. Beyond Mahabharat, he worked in several films and TV shows, establishing himself as a versatile actor who could portray both heroic and villainous roles with equal conviction. His body of work includes films like Saugandh, Baadshah, Inteqam, and Soldier, among others.
Dheer was admired for his calm demeanor and humble personality off-screen, which earned him respect across the film and TV industries. His sudden passing has left the entertainment world in deep sorrow, with tributes pouring in from co-stars, directors, and fans across social media platforms.
Salman Khan Attends Pankaj Dheer’s Funeral
The funeral of Pankaj Dheer was held in Mumbai and saw an emotional turnout of family, friends, and colleagues. Among those who attended was Salman Khan, who arrived to pay his final respects. The two shared a long-standing professional relationship, having worked together in films and industry events over the years.
Salman Khan, dressed in simple white attire, looked visibly emotional as he greeted the grieving family and offered condolences. His presence was a testament to the deep bond and mutual respect he shared with Dheer. Fans present at the cremation site were moved to see Salman take time from his schedule to honor his late friend, which highlighted the unity and compassion within the film fraternity.
Fans and Celebrities Mourn the Loss of Karna
Social media has been flooded with emotional messages, photos, and clips remembering Pankaj Dheer’s unforgettable performance as Karna. Fans have been sharing nostalgic moments from Mahabharat, expressing how Dheer’s portrayal made Karna one of the most beloved characters in Indian mythology.
Several celebrities, including his son Nikitin Dheer, also shared heartfelt tributes. Nikitin, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become an actor, was seen deeply emotional during the rituals. Many colleagues, including actors from the Mahabharat cast, attended the funeral or expressed their sorrow online.
TV actor Puneet Issar, who played Duryodhan in Mahabharat, wrote an emotional note recalling his bond with Pankaj Dheer. “We started our journeys together in Mahabharat. He was more than a co-star—he was family,” Issar shared. Other industry members like Mukesh Khanna and Gajendra Chauhan also paid tribute to their dear friend and colleague.
Pankaj Dheer’s Legacy in Indian Television
Pankaj Dheer’s contribution to Indian television goes far beyond Mahabharat. He was part of several mythological and historical shows where his commanding screen presence made him an audience favorite. He also worked behind the camera and mentored several young actors through his production ventures and acting workshops.
In an era when mythological dramas shaped Indian television culture, Dheer’s portrayal of Karna stood out for its emotional depth, honesty, and humanity. His ability to make viewers empathize with Karna’s struggles and virtues earned him legendary status. Even today, reruns of Mahabharat continue to remind audiences of his brilliance.
Personal Life and Family Support
Beyond his professional achievements, Pankaj Dheer was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, actress Anita Dheer, and their son Nikitin Dheer, known for his roles in Chennai Express and Shershaah. The Dheer family has been receiving an outpouring of support from friends and fans who have admired Pankaj’s humility and kindness over the years.
According to close sources, the family is heartbroken but grateful for the immense love and respect shown by the public. They plan to hold a prayer meeting in his honor to celebrate his life and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Salman Khan’s Emotional Gesture Touches Fans
Salman Khan’s attendance at the funeral was widely shared across social media, with fans appreciating his humility and compassion. Many noted that Salman, despite his busy schedule, always makes time to pay respects to his colleagues. His silent yet heartfelt presence resonated deeply with fans, who praised him for standing by the Dheer family during this difficult time.
Videos and photos from the funeral have gone viral, showing Salman walking alongside Nikitin Dheer and comforting the family. This gesture reminded many of the strong sense of camaraderie that still exists in Bollywood despite the competitiveness of the industry.
Tributes Continue to Pour In
From senior actors to young stars, tributes have continued to pour in for Pankaj Dheer. Actor Suniel Shetty called him a “gentle giant and a man of honor.” Actress Hema Malini remembered him as “a disciplined actor with a heart full of humility.”
Fans have also shared how Dheer’s performances left a lifelong impact. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share old clips of his iconic scenes as Karna, accompanied by emotional messages like “Legends never die” and “Karna will forever live in our hearts.”
The End of an Era
With Pankaj Dheer’s passing, the Indian television industry has lost one of its most dignified and talented actors. His contribution to entertainment—particularly through Mahabharat—will continue to inspire future generations of actors and storytellers. His legacy as Karna, a symbol of honor and sacrifice, remains timeless.
While the industry mourns his loss, his memory will continue to shine through the countless roles he brought to life with passion and dedication. As fans, we can only express gratitude for the decades of joy, inspiration, and emotion he brought into our lives.
Conclusion
The funeral of Pankaj Dheer was not just a farewell to a great actor but to a man who embodied grace and strength both on and off-screen. The presence of Salman Khan and other industry colleagues reflected the deep respect Dheer commanded throughout his career.
As the entertainment world continues to pay homage, one thing is certain—Pankaj Dheer will forever be remembered as the noble Karna who won the hearts of millions through his performances and humility. His journey may have ended, but his legacy will live on in Indian cinema and in the hearts of those who admired him.
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