Nikitin Dheer mourns Pankaj Dheer on first death anniversary: 'Awfully lonely without you'
Synopsis
A year after losing his father, Nikitin Dheer's Instagram tribute to veteran actor Pankaj Dheer — best remembered as Karna in Mahabharat — lays bare the quiet, irreplaceable grief of a son who misses everything from his father's whistle to the warmth of his hand. Wife Kratika Sengar also shared her own tender farewell.
Key Takeaways
Nikitin Dheer shared an emotional Instagram tribute on 15 October 2026 , marking one year since his father Pankaj Dheer 's passing.
In his post, Nikitin wrote he is 'awfully lonely' without his father and listed everyday moments he deeply misses.
Actress Kratika Sengar , Nikitin's wife, also posted a photograph with Pankaj Dheer, captioning it 'Today...
N Forever...' Pankaj Dheer was best known for portraying Karna in the iconic TV series Mahabharat .
Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October 2025 in Mumbai at the age of 68 after battling cancer .
Actor Nikitin Dheer paid an emotional tribute to his late father, veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, on the first anniversary of his passing on 15 October 2026, sharing a deeply personal note that captured the quiet, everyday moments he misses most. The heartfelt remembrance, posted on Instagram, laid bare the grief of a son still learning to navigate life without his father.
Nikitin's Tribute in His Own Words
In his post, Nikitin reflected on the small but irreplaceable joys he shared with his father — his smile, his laughter, the warmth of his hand on his head, and the comfort of his hugs. He also recalled being scolded and encouraged, underscoring that every dimension of their bond is now deeply missed.
Writing on Instagram, Nikitin said: 'Been a year! Of not seeing you smile Of not hearing you laugh Of not feeling your hand on my head Of not getting hugs from you Of not being scolded by you Of not saying I Love You to you Of not hearing you whistle Of not hearing words of encouragement from you Of not knowing how to live without you And this whole life to go, don't know how i shall manage. I just know that i am awfully lonely without you..Love you to infinity Dad.. Miss you..'
Kratika Sengar's Remembrance
Nikitin's wife, actress Kratika Sengar, also honoured her late father-in-law with a tender post of her own. She shared a photograph of herself alongside Pankaj Dheer, in which both were seen smiling at the camera while the veteran actor affectionately held her hand. Her caption read: 'Today... Tomorrow... N Forever... Love You DAD...'
Who Was Pankaj Dheer
Pankaj Dheer was a celebrated figure in Hindi cinema and Indian television, best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in the landmark television series Mahabharat — a role that earned him enduring recognition across generations of Indian audiences. His screen presence and dignified performances made him a respected name in the industry over several decades.
His Passing
Pankaj Dheer passed away in Mumbai on 15 October 2025 at the age of 68, following a battle with cancer. His death was mourned widely by the film and television fraternity. A year on, the outpouring of personal grief from his family reflects the profound personal loss behind the public tributes.
The anniversary remembrances from both Nikitin and Kratika serve as a reminder of the lasting impact Pankaj Dheer had — not just on screen, but within the lives of those closest to him.
Point of View
But Nikitin Dheer's anniversary tribute stands apart — specific, unpolished, and free of celebrity gloss. The enumeration of small moments (a whistle, a scolding, a hand on the head) is precisely what gives it resonance and virality. Pankaj Dheer was never a tabloid fixture, yet he belonged to every Indian household that grew up watching Mahabharat — which means his loss is genuinely public as well as private. That intersection is what makes this story connect beyond a family moment.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pankaj Dheer?
Pankaj Dheer was a veteran Hindi film and television actor, most celebrated for his portrayal of Karna in the iconic TV series Mahabharat. He passed away in Mumbai on 15 October 2025 at the age of 68 after battling cancer.
What did Nikitin Dheer post on his father's first death anniversary?
Nikitin Dheer shared an emotional Instagram note listing the everyday moments he misses most — his father's smile, laughter, hugs, whistling, and words of encouragement — and wrote that he is 'awfully lonely' without him.
What did Kratika Sengar post for Pankaj Dheer's first death anniversary?
Kratika Sengar, Nikitin Dheer's wife, shared a photo of herself with Pankaj Dheer on Instagram, captioned 'Today... Tomorrow... N Forever... Love You DAD...' The image showed the two smiling together, with Pankaj affectionately holding her hand.
When and how did Pankaj Dheer pass away?
Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October 2025 in Mumbai at the age of 68, following a battle with cancer.
What is Pankaj Dheer best remembered for?
Pankaj Dheer is best remembered for his iconic role as Karna in the landmark television series Mahabharat, which brought him widespread recognition across generations of Indian audiences.
