Pankaj Dheer Passes Away: Veteran Actor Pankaj Dheer, the Iconic Karna of 'Mahabharat', Passes Away at 68

Pankaj Dheer Passes Away: The world of Indian cinema and television is mourning the loss of one of its most revered and instantly recognizable figures. Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passed away on Wednesday at the age of 68 in Mumbai, after a prolonged battle with cancer. His demise marks the end of a storied career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on Indian pop culture, largely thanks to his unforgettable portrayal of the noble warrior Karna in B. R. Chopra’s epic television series, Mahabharat (1988).

STORY | 'Mahabharat', 'Chandrakanta' star Pankaj Dheer dies at 68

Television star Pankaj Dheer, known for playing Karna in B R Chopra's "Mahabharat" and king Shiv Dutt in fantasy drama "Chandrakanta", has died at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer.

READ:… pic.twitter.com/8acAMPYZIz

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 15, 2025

The news of his passing was officially confirmed by the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), where he had served as the former Honorary General Secretary and erstwhile Chairman of its Trust. The film fraternity, his colleagues, and millions of fans across the globe have expressed their profound grief, recognizing the immense contribution he made to the entertainment industry.

Pankaj Dheer Suryaputra Karna: The Role That Made Him Immortal

Mahabharat's Karna, Pankaj Dheer ji, dies after battling cancer. 💔

By far the best scene of महाभारत।

Pankaj Dheer ji made my favourite character कर्ण , Immortal. ❤️🙏🏽 @actmukeshkhanna#PankajDheer#Mahabharatpic.twitter.com/3Gukvi2iu3

— Pulkit Sharma (@Pulkits77) October 15, 2025

For an entire generation, Pankaj Dheer was synonymous with 'Suryaputra Karna'. His towering physique, intense eyes, and powerful, dignified dialogue delivery brought the tragic hero of the Mahabharata to life with a commanding presence that few could rival. This iconic role was not merely an acting assignment; it became a cultural phenomenon.

So profound was the impact of his performance that, as Dheer himself often recounted, his image was used in certain school textbooks to represent the mythological warrior. Furthermore, in an extremely rare honour for a television actor, statues modelled after his portrayal of Karna are reportedly worshipped in parts of India, including Karnal and Bastar, a testament to the audience’s deep emotional connection with his character. This singular role cemented Pankaj Dheer’s legacy, establishing him as one of the most beloved figures in Indian television history.

Pankaj Dheer Career: From Suryaputra Karna to Bollywood’s Trusted Actor

While Karna became his defining role, Pankaj Dheer’s versatility extended across film and television. He was a dependable and respected actor, gracing both the big and small screens with a variety of characters. On television, he was widely acclaimed for his performance as the malevolent King Shiv Dutt in the fantasy drama Chandrakanta. Other popular TV shows include Sasural Simar Ka, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev, and Badho Bahu.

In Bollywood, Dheer appeared in memorable supporting roles in major films like Shah Rukh Khan’s Baadshah, Salman Khan’s Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, and Ajay Devgn’s Zameen. His presence added gravitas and depth to every scene he was in, proving his talent stretched far beyond the realm of mythology.

Pankaj Dheer Legacy: Acting, Teaching, and Inspiring New Talent

Beyond acting, Pankaj Dheer was also dedicated to nurturing new talent. In 2010, he established the Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai, aiming to pass on his knowledge and experience to aspiring performers. He was also a creative entrepreneur, having co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio, with his brother Satluj Dheer.

Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and his son, actor Nikitin Dheer, who has carved his own niche in films like Chennai Express and Shershaah, and television shows like Shrimad Ramayan, where he played Ravana.

Pankaj Dheer’s passing leaves a void in the industry. He will be remembered not just as a great actor but as the quintessential Karna, whose compelling performance resonated with millions and brought an immortal epic to life for a modern audience. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema and his enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists. The final rites are scheduled to be held in Mumbai later today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: Who is Pankaj Dheer?

Answer: Pankaj Dheer is a famous Indian actor, who is mainly known for his roles in TV and films.

Question 2: For which role is he best known?

Answer: Pankaj Dheer got the most popularity for his role of Ravana in the TV show Ramayan.

Question 3: Pankaj Dheer has also worked in films?

Answer: Yes, Pankaj has also worked in many Bollywood films, but he is mainly known for television.

Question 4: Who are the members of Pankaj Dheer's family?

Answer: Pankaj Dheer's sons Rajan and Rehan Dheer are also associated with the entertainment industry.

Question 5: Pankaj Dheer has contributed to other fields also?

Answer: Apart from acting, Pankaj Dheer has also contributed to the field of theatre and education, and has inspired many new artists.

Mahabharat Karna actor Pankaj Dheer | Pankaj Dheer cause of death cancer | Age of Pankaj Dheer at death | Pankaj Dheer’s son Nikitin Dheer | Pankaj Dheer filmography highlights | Pankaj Dheer battling cancer relapse

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