'My best friend...brother': Puneet Issar pays tribute to Pankaj Dheer
What's the story
Actor Puneet Issar, who played Duryodhan in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, has paid an emotional tribute to his co-star and friend Pankaj Dheer. The latter, who played Karna in the same series, passed away on October 15 after a long battle with cancer. He was 68. In his heartfelt message on social media, Issar reminisced about their special bond and the impact Dheer had on his life.
Emotional tribute
'My best friend, my brother is no more'
Issar shared several nostalgic pictures with Dheer and wrote, "It has finally started to sink in. My best friend. My brother is no more." "It's really a huge loss for everyone.. his family... the film fraternity ... his fans.. It's 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."
Legacy
Issar described his bond with Dheer as 'unbreakable'
Issar further wrote, "Pankaj and I shared an unbreakable bond of friendship that lasted 40 plus years." He described their journey as one of "real men," emphasizing honesty, straightforwardness, and authenticity. "The journey we shared.. was one of REAL MEN.. Straightforward...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."
Final words
Issar shared this special line from 'Mahabharat'
Issar concluded his post by quoting a poignant line from Mahabharat, which he said was fitting for Dheer. The quote read, "Mere mitra... mere bhaai.. mere jeevan aadhaar... tere prem, teri nishtha ko vandan mera baaram baar." "Tera yash chamkega jagg mein hey mitra ... karoron Surya samaan ..... tum nakshatra mitrataa ke bann kar, characharr bramhaad mein chamkoge..."
Final farewell
Dheer's funeral and prayer meet
Dheer's funeral took place in Mumbai on the same day as his death, attended by industry colleagues, friends, and family members. A prayer meet was held at the ISKCON Temple in Mumbai on October 18. He is survived by his wife Anita Dheer, son-actor Nikitin, and daughter Nitika. May he rest in peace.