Pankaj Dheer FuneraI Full Video – Salman Khan, Siddharth Malhotra, Arbaaz Khan, Mika Singh, Nikitin

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🙏 Bollywood Bids Farewell: Salman Khan and Sidharth Malhotra Lead Condolences at Pankaj Dheer’s Funeral

Mumbai paused yesterday to pay its final respects to Pankaj Dheer, the veteran actor whose powerful portrayal of Karna in the iconic 1988 TV series Mahabharat earned him enduring love across the country. Dheer, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer, was cremated in Mumbai, with several prominent figures from the film and television fraternity attending the last rites.

The funeral, held at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle West, saw a gathering of family, close colleagues, and surprising attendees, highlighting the actor’s extensive reach across the industry.

A Gathering of Stars: Bollywood Pays Tribute

The funeral was marked by the presence of both seasoned veterans and contemporary stars, all coming together to offer their condolences to the bereaved Dheer family.

The Khan Connection

The most notable presence was that of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who arrived amidst tight security to pay his last respects to the late actor. Salman Khan’s attendance underscored the strong ties and respect he held for Dheer.

Salman Khan was joined by his brother, actor Arbaaz Khan, who was also present to offer support and condolences to Dheer’s son, Nikitin.

Young Generation Offers Respect

Representing the younger generation of Bollywood, actor Sidharth Malhotra was seen at the crematorium. Dressed in a simple white shirt and blue jeans, Malhotra met with Nikitin Dheer to offer his personal condolences to the family, acknowledging the loss of the celebrated patriarch.

Industry Colleagues and Family

The ceremony was deeply personal, attended by Dheer’s immediate family:

Nikitin Dheer (Son): The actor, known for roles in films like Chennai Express and Shershaah, stood to receive the condolences.
Kratika Sengar (Daughter-in-Law): The successful television actress, known for Jhansi Ki Rani, was present alongside her husband, mourning the loss of her father-in-law. Kratika and Nikitin married in 2014, and Pankaj Dheer was reportedly instrumental in arranging their match.
Other Notable Attendees: Singer Mika Singh and veteran actor Mukesh Rishi were among the others who paid their final tributes at the cremation ground. Mahabharat co-stars, including Puneet Issar, who played Duryodhan, also arrived to bid farewell to their colleague and friend.

The Legacy of Karna and a Multifaceted Career

Pankaj Dheer’s passing is a monumental loss to Indian entertainment. His career spanned several successful decades, leaving behind a rich filmography.

Iconic Role: Dheer became a cultural phenomenon with his powerful portrayal of the warrior Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988), a role so impactful that statues modeled after him are reportedly still worshipped in parts of India.
Film Hits: He maintained a strong presence in cinema, featuring in memorable films such as Soldier, Andaaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge.
Creative Ventures: Beyond acting, Dheer was a creative entrepreneur, founding the Abhinay Acting Academy to mentor new generations of performers.

Dheer had reportedly been battling cancer for some time, with the disease returning months after a period of recovery. His family and friends are now focusing on supporting each other as they navigate this difficult time.

The collective presence of Bollywood figures—from the biggest star in the industry, Salman Khan, to his close Mahabharat colleagues—underscored the respect and affection Pankaj Dheer commanded in his life. The late actor’s legacy will continue to inspire both his family and the wider film and television community.

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