Nikitin Dheer pens heartfelt tribute to late father Pankaj Dheer: 'Miss your hugs'
Synopsis
Nikitin Dheer's heartfelt social media post honours his father Pankaj Dheer, a legendary figure in Indian television best known for his role as Karn in BR Chopra's Mahabharat. The emotional tribute, shared alongside a throwback photograph, underscores the enduring bond between father and son across generations of Indian cinema.
Key Takeaways
Actor Nikitin Dheer shared an emotional tribute to his late father Pankaj Dheer on social media.
Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October at the age of 68 after battling cancer.
He is best remembered for playing Karn in BR Chopra's television epic Mahabharat .
Pankaj Dheer had a diverse career spanning films like Dastak (1993) and television shows including Zee Horror Show and Kanoon .
Nikitin Dheer , now married to actress Kratika Sengar , has appeared in Shershaah , Sooryavanshi , and Indian Police Force .
Actor Nikitin Dheer shared an emotional note on social media honouring his late father Pankaj Dheer, expressing how deeply he misses the veteran actor's presence and warmth. Alongside a throwback photograph from their younger years, Nikitin penned a poignant caption that captured the weight of his loss.
"Miss you Yaar Dad. In everything, everywhere, all the time..especially miss your hugs," Nikitin wrote, adding: "Hope you're well, wherever on your onward journey you may be, love you forever, in any and every realm…#harharmahadev."
Pankaj Dheer's legacy
Pankaj Dheer, who passed away on 15 October at the age of 68, left behind a storied career spanning television and cinema. He is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karn in filmmaker BR Chopra's legendary television epic Mahabharat, a role that cemented his place in Indian entertainment history. According to reports, Pankaj had been battling cancer, which had relapsed, and he underwent major surgery as part of his treatment in his final months.
Career highlights
Beyond Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer built a diverse portfolio across television and film. He led the 1993 film Dastak alongside Shagufta Ali and Sameer Kakkar, and appeared in the cult classic Zee Horror Show with Archana Puran Singh. His television work included the series Kanoon, where he essayed a defence lawyer, and Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare, which featured Ishaan Dhawan and Riya Sharma.
Nikitin Dheer's career
Nikitin Dheer, known for his commanding screen presence and distinctive voice, made his acting debut in 2008 with the period drama Jodhaa Akbar. Since then, he has built a substantial career across film and television, appearing in projects including Naagarjuna – Ek Yoddha, Shrimad Ramayan, Ready, Chennai Express, Shershaah, Sooryavanshi, and the series Indian Police Force. He is married to actress Kratika Sengar.
Recent work
Nikitin was last seen in Akaal: The Unconquered, directed by Gippy Grewal, which also stars Nimrat Khaira, Gurpreet Ghuggi, and Shinda Grewal. Set in 1840s Punjab following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the film chronicles the resistance of Sikh warrior Akaal Singh against opposing forces, continuing Nikitin's tradition of taking on roles rooted in historical and cultural narratives.
Point of View
Raw and unguarded, speaks to a generational continuity in Indian acting that is increasingly rare. The loss also underscores how television legends, despite their cultural footprint, often fade from mainstream memory once they step away from the screen.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pankaj Dheer and what was he known for?
Pankaj Dheer was a veteran Indian actor best known for playing the role of Karn in filmmaker BR Chopra's legendary television epic Mahabharat. He had a career spanning television and film, appearing in shows like Zee Horror Show, Kanoon, and Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare, as well as films including Dastak (1993).
When did Pankaj Dheer pass away?
Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October at the age of 68. According to reports, he had been battling cancer, which had relapsed, and underwent major surgery as part of his treatment.
What did Nikitin Dheer write in his tribute?
Nikitin Dheer shared a throwback photograph alongside a heartfelt caption: 'Miss you Yaar Dad. In everything, everywhere, all the time..especially miss your hugs.' He added, 'Hope you're well, wherever on your onward journey you may be, love you forever, in any and every realm…#harharmahadev.'
Who is Nikitin Dheer and what is his career background?
Nikitin Dheer is an Indian actor known for his commanding presence and distinctive voice. He made his acting debut in 2008 with Jodhaa Akbar and has since appeared in films like Shershaah, Sooryavanshi, and Chennai Express, as well as television series including Indian Police Force. He is married to actress Kratika Sengar.
