Mumbai, Oct 16, 2025: Actor Pankaj Dheer earned many friends during his long 40-year career. On October 15, at the age of 68, he passed away. Pankaj Dheer had been battling cancer for a long time. His death has grieved the Bollywood industry.

Many of his industry friends, including Hema Malini, Esha Deol, and Feroz Khan, paid tribute to him on social media. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan also visited Vile Parle for Pankaj Dheer's funeral. A video of Salman Khan from the funeral is going viral, showing how he comforted Pankaj Dheer's son, Nikitin Dheer, leaving fans emotional.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan has been receiving death threats for some time. The actor said he now only leaves home for shooting. Despite tight security, Salman Khan arrived at Pankaj Dheer's funeral with his friend and cricket partner. Fans applauded him, saying, "This is Bhaijaan, who comes not in times of happiness but in times of sorrow."

A video of Salman Khan at the funeral is going viral. As soon as he saw Pankaj Dheer’s son, Nikitan Dheer, he hugged him and gave him a loving pat. He held Nikitan’s hand for a few minutes and also hugged Pankaj Dheer’s friends and actor Mukesh Tiwari. Fans praised Salman Khan for his gesture, calling him brave and caring.

Fans Pay Tribute to Pankaj Dheer

Fans are also paying tribute to Pankaj Dheer on social media. Many wrote messages like, "I have no words to express this loss," "May God grant Pankaj Dheer's soul peace," and "Pankaj Dheer will always be remembered for his role of Karna in the Mahabharata."

Photos and videos of the funeral procession are going viral. In one video, Pankaj Dheer’s son Niketan and TV actor Kushal Tandon are seen carrying his bier. Salman Khan joined the procession, accompanied by his security.

Producer and friend Ashok Pandit said, "He passed away this morning due to cancer. He had been visiting the hospital for the past few months." The funeral was held that evening.

CINTAA (Cine and TV Artistes Association) issued an official statement: "With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you that Pankaj Dheer ji, former President of our Trust and former General Secretary of CINTAA, passed away on October 15, 2025. His funeral was held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai."

Pankaj Dheer gained fame for playing Karna in B.R. Chopra’s 1988 TV series Mahabharata. He also appeared in the lead role in Dastak (1993), co-starring Shagufta Ali and Sameer Kakkar. He starred in the Zee Horror Show alongside Archana Puran Singh and played a defense lawyer in the TV series Kanoon.