Nikitin Dheer Remembers Late Father Pankaj Dheer, 80 Days After His Passing: “A Dream Remained Unfinished”

Actor Pankaj Dheer, known for his iconic portrayal of the noble Karna in Mahabharat, may no longer be with us, but his legacy continues to live on in the hearts of his loved ones and fans. His son, Nikitin Dheer, recently shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, remembering moments spent with his father and reflecting on a dream project they were working on together, which remained incomplete.

Nikitin posted a photograph of himself with his father inside a vanity van, both smiling at the camera, with Pankaj capturing the moment in the mirror. The image is a poignant reminder of the cherished moments they shared while working together as actors.

In the caption, Nikitin wrote:
“Some stories remain unfinished, but the moments do not. Here we are, my father and I, sitting together in a vanity van, for a film we were working on but couldn’t complete. Working with him as an actor gave me some of the best moments of my life. I am grateful for that.”

Since Pankaj Dheer’s passing, Nikitin has often shared memories of his father on social media. Earlier, on the occasion of his father’s demise, he penned a long note expressing his grief. He wrote that their family felt fragmented after his father’s departure, but witnessing the outpouring of love for Pankaj made him realize the true measure of life: love, blessings, and respect—not material possessions.

“After a few days, seeing the continuous love he received, I realized that this is what life is about. Love, blessings, and respect are intangible; these are the things my father took with him to the other world. Today, I am prouder than ever to be his son. He was an ideal father, as every boy could hope for. He taught me resilience, character, loyalty, dedication, and determination,” Nikitin wrote.

Pankaj Dheer had been battling cancer for some time and was hospitalized for a long period. He had previously fought the disease and returned to life with determination, but this time, the illness claimed him. Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and cherished memories.