Pankaj Dheer’s admiration for Salman Khan

The Indian film and television industry mourns the loss of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who passed away on October 15, 2025, after battling cancer. The actor’s sudden demise has left millions of admirers and colleagues in deep shock. Known for his stellar contributions to Indian cinema, Dheer’s legacy spans from his iconic role as Karna in the legendary television series Mahabharat to countless memorable performances across film and television.

Salman Khan Is Like a Son to Me, Says Pankaj Dheer

Speaking fondly of superstar Salman Khan in an interview on Lehren TV, Dheer described their long-standing relationship that dated back to Salman’s childhood days in Bandra. “Salman is like a son to me,” Dheer had declared, recalling how the megastar used to play cricket as a young boy. The veteran actor expressed immense admiration for Salman’s character, calling him “a very beautiful soul” with an exceptional heart. Dheer praised Salman’s dedication to his family and his generosity, stating that he had nothing but respect and love for the superstar, making it clear that their bond transcended the professional realm of the entertainment industry.

Pankaj Dheer also reflected on his early collaboration with the late Irrfan Khan during the iconic television series Chandrakanta. Dheer recalled how Irrfan stood behind him without any dialogue for 8-9 days, expressing his frustration about the lack of screen time. Despite the initial struggle, Dheer praised Irrfan’s remarkable journey, emphasizing that timing and opportunity were crucial factors in an actor’s career. “Right film, right time, right release, right moment—that’s very important in an actor’s life,” Dheer had said, referencing how Irrfan eventually went abroad, gained international recognition, and became a globally acclaimed performer.