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

Hema Malini remembers Pankaj Dheer

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who was known for playing Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday, October 15, after battling cancer.

Pankaj Dheer’s passing has left the whole film and television industry in grief, with several celebrities pouring tributes on social media.

Hema Malini and her daughter Esha Deol are among those grieving his passing, sharing touching messages in remembrance of the late actor.

Hema Malini took to her social media and shared a number of old photos of herself and Pankaj Dheer together. She referred to him as a "dear friend" and expressed her sadness over his passing.

Alongside the pics, Hema Malini penned in the caption, “I have lost a very dear friend today and am totally devastated. Pankaj Dheer, always so affectionate, enthusiastic about everything, a talented actor who won audience hearts with his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat, so full of life,  has breathed his last. He passed away after a spunky fight with cancer which he was determined to overcome.”

I have lost a very dear friend today and am totally devastated. Pankaj Dheer, always so affectionate, enthusiastic about everything, a talented actor who won audience hearts with his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat, so full of life, has breathed his last. He passed away after a… pic.twitter.com/8DC51AT6uS

Related stories

• 
  Saira Banu wishes Hema Malini on her 77th birthday, recalls their first meeting with a throwback pic...
• 
  Dharmendra lives with first wife Prakash Kaur at Khandala Farm not Hema Malini, confirms Bobby Deol
• 
  Hema Malini faces backlash for refusing selfie with a fan during Navratri, netizens say, "itna ...

— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) October 15, 2025

She concluded her post by writing, “My heart goes out in distress to his dear wife Anita ji who was the light of his life.”

However, Hema Malini’s daughter Esha Deol also paid tribute to Pankaj Dheer.

She took to her Instagram Story and shared a picture of the veteran actor and penned in the caption, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Pankaj uncle. A dear family friend & a wonderful human being always full of joy: Will miss you & those fun conversations we had followed by your laughter.”

She added, “May your soul rest in peace. Deepest condolences aunty, to @niketan.dheer.5 & the family. Om Shanti."

On Wednesday night, Pankaj Dheer's funeral took place in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Mukesh Rishi, Kushal Tandon, Dipika Kakar, and Shoaib Ibrahim were among the many members of the industry who gathered to offer their final condolences to the deceased actor.