Kratika Sengar Recalls Her Bond With Father-in-law Pankaj Dheer: ‘You Often Ask Who’s The Best Girl? I’d Say...’

In October 2025, the Indian film and television industry lost several gems. Among them was veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who was best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat, died on October 15,

at the age of 68. His death left the entire industry in shock.

Fifteen days after his demise, actor Kratika Sengar penned a moving tribute to her late father-in-law. In her social media post, she reflected on their special bond. She fondly recalled how he always treated her like a daughter rather than a daughter-in-law.

Kratika Sengar Recalls The Bond With Her Late Father-in-law, Actor Pankaj Dheer

On Thursday, Kartika shared a throwback picture of her with Pankaj Dheer. She expressed her love and gratitude, and the void of his absence has left in her life.

Recalling how Pankaj always saw her as more than just a daughter-in-law, she wrote, “You never liked the word in-laws — you’d always say, “She’s my daughter,” and that’s exactly how you treated me.”
She went on to share a fond conversation with him, writing, “You’d often ask with that familiar twinkle in your eyes, “Who’s the best girl in the world?” and I’d smile and say, Mee!”

She further added, “I was always shy to say I love you dad, but you never stopped until I said it with ease — that was your way of wrapping me in love.” The actress mentioned that the veteran actor was more like her dad and a friend.

She concluded by writing, “You weren’t just my father-in-law; you were my Dad, my friend, my safe place. We’d talk for hours about everything and nothing, and now the silence feels so heavy without you.”

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A post shared by Kratika Sengar Dheer (@itsmekratika)

Nikitin Dheer On Losing His Father Pankaj Dheer

Following the veteran actor’s demise, a few days ago, Pankaj’s son and Kratika’s husband shared a heartfelt note on social media, remembering his father and expressing his grief. Posting a video collage featuring his father’s appearances in numerous films and shows over the years, he wrote, “I am not the best at expressing my feelings.. But I shall try. It’s said, the only thing that’s guaranteed upon birth is death. We all know it, accept it, believe it, but when one loses someone who is an essential aspect of one’s existence a lot of questions arise. On the 15th of October 2025, I lost my Dad, my Guru, my best friend..Shri Pankaj Dheer..he wasn’t well for sometime..it shattered us as a family..”

He continued the long note, expressing his love and respect for his father, and thanked everyone for their prayers and the outpouring of love following his father’s demise.

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A post shared by निकितिन धीर (@nikitindheer)

Pankaj Dheer’s Career Over The Years

Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, died on October 15, at the age of 68. As per reports, the veteran actor had been battling cancer for a long time, and his health had deteriorated in recent months.

Over the years, Dheer made his mark in several acclaimed films, including Sadak, Sanam Bewafa, Aashik Awara, Zameen, Andaz, Baadshah, Soldier and Tarzan. His remarkable body of work across television and cinema continues to be celebrated as a lasting part of Indian entertainment history.