Pankaj Dheer, the veteran Indian actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra's epic television series "Mahabharat," has died at the age of 68. He passed away on October 15, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Dheer's career spanned several decades, with notable roles in television shows such as "Chandrakanta," "The Great Maratha," "Yug," and "Badho Bahu". He also appeared in numerous Hindi films, including "Sadak," "Soldier," "Baadshah," and "Taarzan: The Wonder Car," often in supporting roles.
Born on November 9, 1956, in Punjab, Dheer came from a film-oriented family; his father, C.L. Dheer, was a filmmaker. Although he initially aspired to be a director, he made his acting debut in the 1983 film "Sookha". His performance as Karna in "Mahabharat," which began in 1988, catapulted him to widespread recognition, with his image becoming synonymous with the character. Such was the impact of his portrayal that his pictures were used in textbooks as a reference to Karna, and statues of him are worshipped as Karna in temples in Karnal and Bastar.
News of Dheer's passing was confirmed by the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), which released a statement expressing their grief. The statement noted that Dheer had previously served as the Chairman of the association's trust and as an Honorary General Secretary of CINTAA.
Reports indicate that Dheer had been battling cancer for a long period, with the illness relapsing a few months prior to his death, necessitating major surgery. Despite the medical intervention, he succumbed to the disease. An oncologist noted that cancer relapse requires vigilance, discipline, regular follow-ups and timely scans to detect recurrence early.
Actor Firoz Khan, who played Arjun in "Mahabharat," shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing his sorrow. Dheer's son, Nikitin Dheer, also an actor, shared a message on Instagram reflecting on acceptance and faith.
Beyond acting, Dheer was also involved in other aspects of the film industry. In 2006, he and his brother Satluj Dheer established Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai. In 2010, he launched the Abbhinnay Acting Academy, with actor Gufi Paintal as the faculty head.
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and his son, Nikitin Dheer, and daughter-in-law Kratika Sengar. The cremation was held on October 15, 2025, in Mumbai.
Dheer's death marks the loss of a significant figure in Indian television and cinema. His portrayal of Karna remains etched in the memories of viewers, and his contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered.
