# Remembering Pankaj Dheer: A Heartfelt Prayer Meet as Family and Stars Unite in Grief
The entertainment world is still reeling from the untimely loss of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra's *Mahabharat*. On October 15, 2025, the 68-year-old succumbed to a prolonged battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and a warm, inspiring presence that touched countless lives. Just two days later, on October 17, a poignant prayer meet was held at the ISKCON Temple in Juhu, Mumbai, organized by the Dheer, Shah, Sengar, and Khanna families. It was a gathering not just of sorrow, but of celebration—honoring a man whose "love, laughter, and wisdom continue to guide us," as the invitation poignantly stated. Attended by his grieving family—including son Nikitin Dheer and daughter-in-law Kratika Sengar—and a constellation of Bollywood and TV stars, the event underscored the profound respect Dheer commanded across generations.
## Pankaj Dheer: The Eternal Karna and a Life in Lights
Pankaj Dheer wasn't just an actor; he was a pillar of Indian television and cinema. Born in 1956 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to director C.L. Dheer, he initially eyed a behind-the-scenes career but was drawn to the spotlight. His breakthrough came in 1988 with *Mahabharat*, where his dignified, emotionally charged depiction of the tragic warrior Karna resonated deeply with audiences, making him a household name. "He won audience hearts with his portrayal of Karna... so full of life," mourned close friend Hema Malini in a heartfelt tribute.
Dheer's versatility shone through in films like *Soldier* (1998) alongside Bobby Deol, *Baadshah* (1999) with Shah Rukh Khan, *Zameen* (2003) with Ajay Devgn, and TV shows such as *Chandrakanta*, *Sasural Simar Ka*, and *Teen Bahuraaniyaan*. A former Chairman of the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), he was also a mentor to many, including Sourabh Raaj Jain, who credited him as a key inspiration. Survived by his wife Anita Dheer—a renowned fashion designer—their son Nikitin, daughter Nikita, and granddaughter Devika, Dheer's life was a tapestry of family bonds and professional triumphs. His final Instagram post, featuring Anita, now stands as a touching memento.
# A Family's Unbreakable Bond: Nikitin and Kratika's Tribute
At the heart of the prayer meet was Dheer's family, visibly shattered yet united in their resolve to honor him. Nikitin Dheer, 40, who followed in his father's footsteps with roles in *Chennai Express* (as the memorable Thangabali), *Jodhaa Akbar*, and *Shershaah*, appeared sombre, his eyes reflecting the depth of loss. Nikitin, who collaborated with his father on Pankaj's directorial debut *My Father Godfather* (2014), shared a cryptic yet raw post on social media hours after the passing: a reflection on "pain" and "letting go," underscoring the personal void left behind.
Standing steadfast by his side was Kratika Sengar, 40, Nikitin's wife of over a decade and a star in her own right, famed for portraying Rani Lakshmibai in *Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani*. Their love story, an arranged-cum-love marriage orchestrated in part by Pankaj himself, adds a layer of poetic tenderness to the tragedy. Kratika met Pankaj during the filming of *My Father Godfather*, where her frequent visits to the Dheer home sparked the introduction to Nikitin. "It was an arranged marriage with love," Kratika once shared, crediting Pankaj for playing matchmaker. The couple, parents to two-year-old Devika, entered the venue hand-in-hand with Anita, a poignant image of familial strength amid grief. Photos from the event captured Nikitin and Kratika's quiet devastation, a far cry from the joy of their 2014 wedding, attended by stars like Hema Malini and Ronit Roy.
## Stars Align in Mourning: Bollywood and TV Icons Pay Homage
The ISKCON Temple venue brimmed with luminaries from film and television, turning the prayer meet into a testament to Dheer's widespread influence. Salman Khan, who had attended the funeral on October 15, was among the early well-wishers, consoling a bereaved Nikitin. Friday's gathering saw an even broader turnout, with paparazzi capturing arrivals that read like a who's who of Indian entertainment:
- **Bollywood Stalwarts**: Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty (who faced brief online backlash for smiling at the media, quickly defended as her resilient spirit), Jackie Shroff (who gently schooled paparazzi for their intrusion), Sonu Sood, Zayed Khan, Suresh Oberoi, Rajat Bedi, and Ramesh Taurani.
- **TV Legends**: Mukesh Khanna, Puneet Issar (Dheer's *Mahabharat* co-star as Duryodhana), Sourabh Raaj Jain, Mohit Raina, Karanvir Bohra, Urvashi Dholakia, and Upasana Singh.
- **Directors and More**: Rohit Shetty, Madhur Bhandarkar, Ashutosh Gowariker, and Ranjeet.
- **Other Notables**: Esha Deol, Jaaved Jaaferi, Poonam Dhillon, Tanvi Azmi, Baba Azmi, Firoz Khan with son Jibraan, Johnny Lever, Aditya Pancholi, Sharad Saxena, Ashoke Pandit, and Raj Kundra.
Social media buzzed with clips of Rohit Shetty's arrival and heartfelt posts, amplifying the event's emotional resonance. One attendee noted, "It was a reflection of the immense love and respect the late actor commanded."
| Celebrity Group | Notable Attendees |
|-----------------|-------------------|
| **Bollywood Actors** | Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Sonu Sood, Zayed Khan, Esha Deol, Poonam Dhillon |
| **TV Icons** | Mukesh Khanna, Puneet Issar, Sourabh Raaj Jain, Mohit Raina, Karanvir Bohra, Urvashi Dholakia |
| **Directors & Others** | Rohit Shetty, Madhur Bhandarkar, Ashutosh Gowariker, Raj Kundra, Johnny Lever |
## Tributes Pour In: A Legacy That Endures
Beyond the venue, tributes flooded in. Hema Malini called him "a very dear friend... totally devastated." CINTAA's statement mourned their "erstwhile Chairman," while fans reminisced about his "enthusiastic" spirit. Nikitin's posts on pain and pride echoed the family's quiet strength, a nod to the values Pankaj instilled.
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## Conclusion: Karna's Light Lives On
Pankaj Dheer's prayer meet wasn't merely a farewell; it was a chorus of gratitude for a life richly lived. From the family he cherished—especially the love story he helped weave for Nikitin and Kratika—to the stars who flocked to honor him, his impact is indelible. As *Mahabharat*'s Karna taught us, true greatness lies in generosity and grace, qualities Dheer embodied till the end. Rest in peace, Pankaj ji—your dharma endures in every heart you've touched. Our thoughts remain with Anita, Nikitin, Kratika, and little Devika during this time of healing.
