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Nikitin Dheer paid tribute to his father Pankaj Dheer, famed as Karna in Mahabharat, reflecting on his legacy and family rituals in Rishikesh after his passing in September 2025.
Nikitin Dheer paid a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Pankaj Dheer.
Actor Nikitin Dheer has shared an emotional tribute to his father, veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, in his first public message since his passing. Known and loved by millions for his legendary portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer passed away on September 15, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. For Nikitin, the loss is deeply personal. Beyond a father, Pankaj was his mentor, his guide, and his closest friend.
Nikitin Dheer remembers Pankaj Dheer
Nikitin posted a video collage on Instagram featuring moments from his father’s extensive career, alongside family rituals and prayers performed in Rishikesh. In his caption, he reflected on the love and support the family received following Pankaj’s death, emphasising the values his father instilled.
Calling Pankaj “the best father a boy could ever ask for,” Nikitin wrote, “I am proud than ever to be his son.” He highlighted the lessons his father imparted—grit, loyalty, perseverance, and the courage to pursue dreams—saying they would remain his guiding principles.
In his message, Nikitin elaborated on the emotional impact of the loss, saying, “I am not the best at expressing my feelings.. But I shall try.. It’s said, the only thing that’s guaranteed upon birth is death..We all know it, accept it, believe it, but when one loses someone who is an essential aspect of one’s existence, a lot of questions arise. On the 15th of October 2025, I lost my Dad, my Guru, my best friend..Shri Pankaj Dheer..he wasn’t well for sometime..it shattered us as a family.”
He added that the outpouring of support from fans, colleagues, and friends reinforced the enduring respect for his father. “After he passed we were thronged by thousands of messages..the people who were younger sent prayers, the elders sent aashirwaad and his friends, colleagues and brothers sent love..we received love and respect towards Dad, that no amount of words can express.. As a few days passed and I saw the continuous river of love he was receiving, I realised that..this is life..not the material things one gathers.. But the love..the blessings..the aadar satkar..all of which is intangible.. All of which my father shall carry to a life after.”
Nikitin vowed to honour his father’s legacy, both personally and professionally: “All the life lessons he taught me shall be my north star as long as I breathe..the wide range for music he exposed me to..the love for cinema..or as he would call it ‘Cine-ma’..from him what I got in virasat most is.. utmost love and respect for our industry..knowing how beautiful and inclusive it is.. I promise..that as an actor and as a human being I shall make sure I do things to make my father proud.”
He concluded by thanking everyone who supported the family and participated in the rituals: “This video is a thank you to all of you.. Who loved him..adored him.. We are very grateful for HH Swami Chidanand Shastri ji.. who at Parmarth Aashram helped us with Dad’s asthi visarjan and pooja.. Aap sabhi ko humare poore pariwar ki our se haath jorkar aabhar (With folded hands, we thank you all on behalf of our entire family).”
Rest In Peace, Pankaj Dheer!
Pankaj Dheer, who passed away in Mumbai, began his acting career in the 1980s with minor film roles. He went on to feature in notable films including Sadak, Sanam Bewafa, Aashik Awara, Soldier (Bobby Deol), Baadshah (Shah Rukh Khan), Andaz (Akshay Kumar), Zameen (Ajay Devgn), and Tarzan. In the late 2000s, he appeared in several popular television serials, such as Teen Bahuraaniyaan, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, and Sasural Simar Ka.
Sources revealed that Pankaj had been undergoing treatment for cancer and had shown signs of recovery before the illness relapsed a few months ago. He had also undergone a major surgery recently.
An official statement from the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) read: “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA’s former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.”
He is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and son, Nikitin Dheer, known for his roles in Chennai Express and Shershaah.
May his soul rest in peace!
October 26, 2025, 11:12 IST
