Actor Puneet Issar remembers best friend Pankaj Dheer in an emotional tribute: "Our Bond was Stronger than Brothers"

Veteran actor Puneet Issar who portrayed the role of Duryodhan in the show, shared a series of nostalgic photos with Pankaj from their show as well as during their time spent together.

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic role as Karna in the television show Mahabharat by BR Chopra, passed away on Wednesday, October 15 after battling cancer at the age of 68.

The cremation was held later that day and several actors and his celebrity friends attended the final rites to pay tribute. Veteran actor Puneet Issar who portrayed the role of Duryodhan in the show, shared a series of nostalgic photos with Pankaj from their show as well as during their time spent together.

He penned a long emotional note as he remembered his best friend and paid tribute to him.

He wrote in the caption, “It has finally started to Sink In. My best friend. My Brother. Is No More. Its really a huge loss for every one.. his family... the film fraternity ... his fans..Its also a huge loss for me Personally. The bond we shared was special. We work in an industry where friendships only work project wise.. We mostly have permanent enemies but temporary friends.. But Pankaj and I shared an unbreakable bond of friendship that lasted 40 plus years. There are few people .. whose Family values.. Work Ethics.. Attitude towards Life ..is so similar to yours .....that you can interact beyond the set. Pankaj and I, had that..”

He further mentioned that just like their reel characters in the show, they were best friends in real life too. Puneet went on call their bond “Stronger than Brothers” and said that he had each other’s backs.

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A post shared by Puneet Issar (@impuneetissar)

Puneet continued, “The Journey we shared.. was one of REAL MEN.. Straight Forward...Honest.. To the Point...REAL ... Calling a Spade a Spade...and bowing Before NO ONE ..... His legacy lives on in his Son Nikitin, His wife Nita, Daughter Nitika. Their spouses, And grandchildren too.

As he concluded the post, Puneet also quoted a verse from teh Mahabharata, “A life well lived really. Pankaj was full of life, energy, humor and good wit. Will lastly quote a line which Duryodhan Says When he cremates Karan in the Mahabharata : -

"Mere Mitra...
Mere Bhaai..
Mere Jeevan Aadhaar...

Tere Prem , Teri Nishtha Ko ,
Vandan Mera Baaram Baar ...

Hey KARAN...
Tera Yash Chamke Ga Jagg Mein
Hey Mitra ...
Karoron Surya Samaan .....

Tum Nakshatra Mitrataa Ke Bann Kar,
Characharr Bramhaad Mein Chamko Ge...

Yash Ki Antim Rashmi Bann Karr,
Rashmi Rathi Tum Damko Ge ...
HEY RASHMI RATHI ... TUM DAMKO GE ...!!!"

Also read: Hema Malini shares emotional post for 'dear friend' Pankaj Dheer’s after his death: 'I will miss his presence in my life'

All his friends and family gathered at a prayer meet held at ISKCON Temple, Mumbai on Saturday October 18 to pay their final tributes to actor Pankaj Dheer. He is survived his wife Anita Dheer, son Nikitin and daughter Nitika.