When Pankaj Dheer said there is 'no better human than' Salman Khan

Actor Pankaj Dheer, who was highly loved for the portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s ‘,’ passed away at the age of 68 on Wednesday. The news of his demise left everyone heartbroken, and as his mortal remains were brought for the final rites, the industry gathered to pay their respects. Bollywood actor Salman Khan also visited the grieving family and was visibly emotional. Salman Khan and Pankaj Dheer shared more than a professional bond. They did work together in a couple of movies, but Dheer actually saw Khan growing in front of his eyes and once confessed that he never imagined Salman would become such a big superstar.

When Pankaj Dheer praised Salman Khan

A couple of years back, during his conversation with Lehren Retro, Pankaj Dheer recalled playing cricket with Salman and his brother. He expressed his joy in watching him attain all the success. Pankaj also shared that he had never met a human better than Salman.


“There is no better human being than Salman in the film industry. Vo bohot khoobsurat aadmi hai (He is a beautiful person). I don’t have words to describe him. He is a different kind of kid. We can only salute him,” he said before adding, “Every time I meet him, I just hug him. He has given his everything to his family. He has such a big heart. He is a fantastic person.”

Pankaj Dheer and Salman Khan shared the screen in two films, ‘Sanam Bewafa ‘(1991) and ‘Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge’ (2002).

See more: Pankaj Dheer Death News: ‘Mahabharat’ star Pankaj Dheer passes away at 68 after long battle with cancer

Salman Khan attends Pankaj Dheer’s final rites ceremony

As aforementioned, Salman Khan is one of the stars who attended Pankaj Dheer’s final rites ceremony. He arrived while Dheer’s mortal remains were being brought for the rituals. He hugged the late artist’s grieving son Nikitin Dheer and stood in support of the family.

RIP Pankaj Dheer

Pankaj Dheer, during his last camera appearance, which was in January 2025, in Farah Khan’s Vlog, said that people might not know his name, but they would never forget Karan. And today, as the world is bidding him adios, they are recalling him for his iconic character. Family, friends, fans, everyone is in tears. The clips of Pankaj Dheer as Karan from ‘Mahabharat’ are circulating on social media.

See More: Who was Pankaj Dheer? A look into his family, net worth, and 'Mahabharat' legacy