Salman Khan Pays Final Tribute to Late Actor Pankaj Dheer, Mahabharat’s Iconic Karna

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan joined grieving family and fans in paying final respects to veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, renowned for his unforgettable portrayal of Karna in the epic TV series Mahabharat, following his death from cancer on Wednesday morning. The 68-year-old actor, whose commanding presence as the tragic warrior-hero in B.R. Chopra's 1988-1990 adaptation captivated generations, succumbed after a prolonged battle with the illness. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian television, where Mahabharat—broadcast during the Ramzan holy month and watched by over 500 million viewers—became a cultural phenomenon, blending mythology with dramatic storytelling that influenced public discourse on duty, loyalty, and fate.

The funeral rites, held at 4:30 p.m. at the cremation ground next to Pawan Hans in Vile Parle West, drew a sombre crowd under tight security. Salman Khan, dressed in a faded green shirt and jeans, arrived amid a phalanx of personnel and shared heartfelt embraces with Dheer's bereaved family. Videos circulating on social media captured the Dabangg star hugging Dheer's son, actor Nikitin Dheer—known for roles in films like Ready and Mohenjo Daro—in a moment of quiet solidarity.

Nikitin, who followed in his father's footsteps in the industry, later posted on Instagram: "My hero, my guide—rest in peace, Papa." The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), where Dheer served as former Honorary General Secretary and Trust Chairman, issued a statement confirming the loss: "With profound grief... Shri Pankaj Dheer ji passed away on 15th October 2025," urging members to support the family during this "deep sorrow."

Fans worldwide flooded social media with tributes, hailing Dheer's Karna as an immortal performance that humanised the complex character from the ancient epic. One devotee wrote, "Heartbreaking... His iconic portrayal of Karna remains unforgettable, touching millions with its depth." Another reflected, "The man who made Karna immortal with his acting has passed after fighting cancer—eternal gratitude for those dialogues that still echo."

Hashtags like #RIP_PankajDheer and #KarnaLivesOn trended, with clips from Mahabharat resurfacing to celebrate his baritone delivery of lines like "Main Karna hoon, Kunti-putra!" Dheer's career spanned over four decades, including films such as Jung (1989) alongside Salman and TV shows like Aahat, but Karna cemented his legacy, earning him the nickname "Karna of Indian TV".

Dheer's death follows a string of losses in the entertainment world this year, including Irrfan Khan's 2020 battle with cancer echoing in tributes. As flames rose at the cremation site, colleagues like Amit Behl—another CINTAA member—recalled his warmth and dedication. Salman's presence, a rare public gesture amid his own high-profile schedule, symbolised the industry's tight-knit bonds.

For many, Dheer's Karna embodied resilience against adversity, a fitting metaphor for his own fight. As the sun set over Mumbai, the actor's spirit lived on through reels that continued to inspire, reminding audiences of the timeless power of storytelling in Indian culture.

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