Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s 1988 television epic Mahabharat, has passed away after battling cancer. The news of his demise has left the television and film fraternity heartbroken. Days after his passing, his daughter-in-law, actress Kratika Sengar, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, remembering him with love and deep emotion.
Kratika, who is married to Pankaj Dheer’s son and actor Nikitin Dheer, posted a beautiful picture with her late father-in-law and poured her heart out in a touching note.
She wrote, “You never liked the word in-laws — you’d always say, ‘She’s my daughter,’ and that’s exactly how you treated me. You’d often ask with that familiar twinkle in your eyes, ‘Who’s the best girl in the world?’ and I’d smile and say, ‘Mee!’ I was always shy to say I love you, Dad, but you never stopped until I said it with ease — that was your way of wrapping me in love.”
Calling him her “safe place,” Kratika added, “You weren’t just my father-in-law; you were my Dad, my friend, my safe place. We’d talk for hours about everything and nothing, and now the silence feels so heavy without you.”
She also thanked him for the love he showered on her daughter, Devika, writing, “Thank you for loving Devika the way you did — she will always remember you as her bestest Daadu. I love you, Dad.”
Pankaj Dheer, who made a lasting mark with his roles not only in Mahabharat but also in films and TV shows like Sasural Simar Ka and Badho Bahu, is being remembered by fans and colleagues for his warm personality and powerful performances.
On the work front, Kratika Sengar is best known for her performances in hit TV shows like Punar Vivah, Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki, and Jhansi Ki Rani.
