Kratika Sengar honours Pankaj Dheer on first death anniversary with emotional tribute
Synopsis
One year after his passing, Kratika Sengar's tribute to Pankaj Dheer is a reminder of the man behind the iconic Karna — a father-in-law who not only left an indelible mark on Indian television but also played matchmaker for his own son, bringing the couple together before his death at 68.
Key Takeaways
Kratika Sengar shared a heartfelt tribute on 15 October 2026 , marking the first death anniversary of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer .
Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October 2025 at age 68 following a battle with cancer.
He is best remembered for portraying Karna in the television epic 'Mahabharat' , alongside roles in Chandrakanta , Baadshah , and Soldier .
Pankaj reportedly played matchmaker for son Nikitin Dheer and Kratika, who married on 3 September 2014 .
Nikitin Dheer is known for playing antagonist Thangabali in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Chennai Express' .
Actress Kratika Sengar paid an emotional tribute to her late father-in-law, veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, on his first death anniversary on Thursday, 15 October 2026, sharing a touching photograph and a heartfelt message on social media. The post offered a rare personal glimpse into the bond the actress shared with the iconic television star.
The Tribute Post
Taking to her social media handle, Kratika shared a warm photograph of herself posing alongside Pankaj Dheer. In the image, both are seen smiling at the camera, with the late actor affectionately holding his daughter-in-law's hand. Accompanying the picture, she wrote: 'Today... Tomorrow... N Forever... Love You DAD...'
Who Was Pankaj Dheer
Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October 2025 at the age of 68, following a battle with cancer. He is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in the celebrated television epic 'Mahabharat', a role that earned him lasting recognition as one of the most memorable faces of Indian television. Beyond Mahabharat, he featured in popular TV series including Chandrakanta, Bado Bahu, and Sasural Simar Ka. In Bollywood, he delivered notable performances in films such as Baadshah, Soldier, and Zameen.
The Family Connection
Kratika is married to Pankaj's son, actor Nikitin Dheer, widely known for playing the antagonist Thangabali in Shah Rukh Khan's blockbuster 'Chennai Express'. The couple's love story itself has roots in Pankaj Dheer's matchmaking instincts — when Kratika came to audition for a film he was associated with in 2014, the veteran actor was reportedly so impressed that he felt she would be the perfect match for his son.
Pankaj reportedly offered her a role in the film and expressed his wish for her to become his daughter-in-law. He then arranged a formal meeting between Kratika and Nikitin, allowing both families to take the proposal forward. The couple married on 3 September 2014.
A Legacy That Lives On
Nikitin Dheer has spoken on multiple occasions about the profound influence his father had on his life, saying he continues to look up to him. Pankaj Dheer's legacy — both as a celebrated actor and as a warm family figure — remains deeply felt by those who knew him. Kratika's tribute on the first anniversary of his passing reflects the enduring bond he built with his family, one that extended beyond the screen.
Point of View
But the most lasting tributes come from family. What is notable here is the personal dimension — that Pankaj was not merely a celebrated actor but a man who shaped his own family's story, right down to arranging his son's marriage. That kind of human legacy rarely gets the column inches it deserves.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pankaj Dheer pass away?
Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October 2025 at the age of 68, following a battle with cancer. His first death anniversary falls on 15 October 2026.
What is Pankaj Dheer best known for?
Pankaj Dheer is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in the television epic 'Mahabharat', which made him one of the most recognised faces of Indian television. He also appeared in popular TV shows like Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka, and in Bollywood films including Baadshah, Soldier, and Zameen.
Who is Kratika Sengar and how is she related to Pankaj Dheer?
Kratika Sengar is a television actress and the daughter-in-law of Pankaj Dheer. She is married to his son, actor Nikitin Dheer, known for playing Thangabali in 'Chennai Express'. The couple married on 3 September 2014.
How did Kratika Sengar and Nikitin Dheer get together?
Pankaj Dheer reportedly played matchmaker after meeting Kratika at an audition in 2014. Impressed by her, he arranged a meeting between her and his son Nikitin, and the two families took the proposal forward, leading to their marriage on 3 September 2014.
What did Kratika Sengar post on Pankaj Dheer's death anniversary?
Kratika Sengar shared a photograph of herself and Pankaj Dheer together, with the late actor holding her hand and both smiling at the camera. She captioned it: 'Today... Tomorrow... N Forever... Love You DAD...'
