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Pankaj Dheer Death: The entertainment world has been shocked by Pankaj Dheer's unexpected death from cancer. The actor, who portrayed Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, was ill following a cancer recurrence. He became so well-known for his portrayal of Karna that school textbooks included his image, and monuments that are based on him are still revered in Bastar and Karnal. Hema Malini remembered her 'dear friend' as several actors lament Pankaj Dheer's passing. The seasoned actor shared two photos with him and said he's always been really encouraging.

Hema Malini called him a dear friend and wrote on X (previously Twitter), "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."

Hema Malini further mentioned, "To me, he was always so supportive, encouraging me in whatever I undertook and always by my side when I needed him. 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."

ALSO READ - Pankaj Dheer, Mahabharat Actor, Dies At 68 After Cancer Battle

Hema Malini Remembers Pankaj Dheer

Hema Malini's post went viral on social media with over 19k views and 1.6k likes.

ALSO READ - Pankaj Dheer Funeral: Salman Khan Pays Emotional Tribute To Late Costar And Consoles Son Nikitin; Mahabharat Team Bids Farewell

Pankaj Dheer earlier highlighted the audience's fondness for his character Karna in an interview with India Forums. According to him, temples are being built in his honor and sculptures are being made in his honor. He is known as Karna, the mighty warrior.

He said, "I also have two temples where there is Puja done every day. I am worshipped there in Karna Mandir. I have been to those temples. One is in Karnal and one is in Bastar. There is an eight-feet-tall statue of mine, and people come there and worship it. When I go there, people love me from the bottom of their hearts. This goes to show that they have accepted me as Karna. This becomes very difficult for others to play that role again."

Meanwhile, Pankaj Dheer has also acted in TV series like Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka as well as movies like Sanam Bewafa, Baadshah and Tarzan. Additionally, he directed a movie called My Father Godfather. The late actor, who founded the Abhinay Acting Academy, is survived by his wife Anita and actor-son Nikitin Dheer.

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