Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his legendary role as Karna in the epic television series Mahabharat (1988), passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His funeral was held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, where a large number of celebrities from the film and television industry gathered to bid him a final farewell.
Leading the tributes was Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who arrived to pay his respects and offer condolences to Pankaj Dheer’s son, actor Nikitin Dheer. Salman, who has shared a warm bond with the Dheer family for years, was seen comforting a grieving Nikitin during the ceremony.
Several other celebrities were also present, including Sidharth Malhotra, Mukesh Rishi, and Pankaj Dheer’s Mahabharat co-stars such as Feroz Khan(Arjun) and Surendra Pal (Dronacharya). Television personalities like Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim also attended, reflecting Dheer’s wide influence across generations of actors.
The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as friends, colleagues, and fans remembered Dheer not only as a powerful performer but as a kind and humble soul. Many spoke about his memorable performances and his contribution to Indian television and cinema over the decades.
His legacy, especially as Karna, will live on in the hearts of millions. The overwhelming turnout at his funeral is a testament to the love and respect he earned throughout his illustrious career.
AI and Identity Theft: How Bollywood and Hollywood Are Fighting to Protect Celebrity Rights
As artificial intelligence (AI) technology advances rapidly, the entertainment industry is facing a new crisis the unauthorized use of celebrities’ likeness, voices, and identities through AI-generated content. From Bollywood to Hollywood, prominent actors and public figures are now fighting legal battles to reclaim control over their digital personas in the age of deepfakes and synthetic media.
