'Lost a dear friend,' says Hema Malini in an emotional note for Pankaj Dheer as the 'Mahabharat' actor passes away due to Cancer

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for playing 'Karna' in 'Mahabharat' passed away on Wednesday after prolonged battle with Cancer. Apart from this, Dheer was a known face who featured in many movies like '', 'Zameen' and more. As the actor passed away, many of his fans and industry celebs who've known him for years, mourned his demise. 'Dream Girl' Hema Malini has penned an emotional note as she big farewell to her friend. She described him as someone who's always been so supportive.

Malini shared photos with him and expressed, "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. To me, he was always so supportive, encouraging me in whatever I undertook and always by my side when I needed him. "




She added, "I will miss his constant support and presence in my life. My heart goes out in distress to his dear wife Anita ji who was the light of his life." The actress was also seen attending Dheer's funeral.



Panjaj Dheer's son Nikitin Dheer who is known for movies like 'Chennai Express' and was recently seen in 'Housefull 5' was extremely emotional. But he was seen consoling his mother Anita. His last rites were attended by many celebs - from Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Arbaaz Khan, directors Abbas Mustan, Mika Singh among others.

Meanwhile, Pankaj's co-star from 'Mahabharat', Mukesh Khanna who played Bheeshma Pitamah spoke about his demise and expressed grief. In a video, Mukesh said that Pankaj’s death “was a sudden one.” He recalled interviewing the actor for his podcast about a year ago. Mukesh remembered having to convince Pankaj to sit for the podcast, as the late actor wasn’t interested at the time in “talking about the past and Mahabharat.” However, he eventually agreed. Mukesh also shared that he reached out to Pankaj a few months ago for another interview, but the actor refused, and that’s when he learned about his ill health.