Television fans are mourning the loss of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who reportedly passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. As per reports, he had been fighting the cancer for some time, and it relapsed a few months back. He became extremely unwell and also underwent a major surgery for it.
Known to millions as the heroic and tragic Karna from BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, Dheer was one of the most familiar faces on Indian television in the late 80s and 90s. His powerful screen presence and unforgettable portrayal made him a household name — and even decades later, fans still associate his face with Karna himself.
His death was confirmed by his Mahabharat co-star, Arjun Feroz Khan, who played the role of Arjun. He shared a few photos on Instagram story and wrote, "...will miss you PD. Stay Blessed." The President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, Ashoke Pandit, expressed his shock and sorrow over Pankaj Dheer’s passing on social media, calling him a brilliant actor and a great human being, and describing his death as a huge loss to the industry. He also extended heartfelt condolences to Dheer’s family. Pandit added that the actor’s final rites will be held at the Pawan Hans cremation ground on S.V. Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai.
Pankaj Dheer’s acting career stretched far beyond the battlefield of Kurukshetra. After Mahabharat, he starred in iconic shows like Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badho Bahu, leaving his mark on every role. He also appeared in Bollywood hits like Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah, often in small but memorable roles. He has also worked with Archana Puran Singh in the Zee Horror Show.
His portrayal of Karna became so legendary that his images were used in school textbooks to depict the mythological warrior. In parts of India like Karnal and Bastar, statues modelled after Dheer’s Karna are even worshipped — a rare honour for any television actor.
Beyond acting, Dheer was also a creative entrepreneur. In 2006, he co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari, alongside his brother Satluj Dheer. A few years later, in 2010, he launched Abbhinnay Acting Academy with fellow Mahabharat actor Gufi Paintal as the faculty head, mentoring the next generation of performers.
Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and son, actor Nikitin Dheer, who has carved his own niche in Bollywood with roles in films like Chennai Express and Shershaah. Nikitin is married to television actress Kratika Sengar.
Netizens mourn his death
Several fans and fellow actors have shared heartfelt tributes following Pankaj Dheer’s passing. Many expressed their sorrow, remembering him as a legendary actor and a graceful human being who left an unforgettable mark on Indian television and cinema. His iconic portrayal of Karn in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat was especially praised, with admirers noting that an era of strength and elegance on television has come to an end. Messages of peace and condolences poured in, wishing his soul eternal rest.
Known to millions as the heroic and tragic Karna from BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, Dheer was one of the most familiar faces on Indian television in the late 80s and 90s. His powerful screen presence and unforgettable portrayal made him a household name — and even decades later, fans still associate his face with Karna himself.
His death was confirmed by his Mahabharat co-star, Arjun Feroz Khan, who played the role of Arjun. He shared a few photos on Instagram story and wrote, "...will miss you PD. Stay Blessed." The President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, Ashoke Pandit, expressed his shock and sorrow over Pankaj Dheer’s passing on social media, calling him a brilliant actor and a great human being, and describing his death as a huge loss to the industry. He also extended heartfelt condolences to Dheer’s family. Pandit added that the actor’s final rites will be held at the Pawan Hans cremation ground on S.V. Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai.
Pankaj Dheer’s acting career stretched far beyond the battlefield of Kurukshetra. After Mahabharat, he starred in iconic shows like Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badho Bahu, leaving his mark on every role. He also appeared in Bollywood hits like Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah, often in small but memorable roles. He has also worked with Archana Puran Singh in the Zee Horror Show.
His portrayal of Karna became so legendary that his images were used in school textbooks to depict the mythological warrior. In parts of India like Karnal and Bastar, statues modelled after Dheer’s Karna are even worshipped — a rare honour for any television actor.
Beyond acting, Dheer was also a creative entrepreneur. In 2006, he co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari, alongside his brother Satluj Dheer. A few years later, in 2010, he launched Abbhinnay Acting Academy with fellow Mahabharat actor Gufi Paintal as the faculty head, mentoring the next generation of performers.
Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and son, actor Nikitin Dheer, who has carved his own niche in Bollywood with roles in films like Chennai Express and Shershaah. Nikitin is married to television actress Kratika Sengar.
Netizens mourn his death
Several fans and fellow actors have shared heartfelt tributes following Pankaj Dheer’s passing. Many expressed their sorrow, remembering him as a legendary actor and a graceful human being who left an unforgettable mark on Indian television and cinema. His iconic portrayal of Karn in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat was especially praised, with admirers noting that an era of strength and elegance on television has come to an end. Messages of peace and condolences poured in, wishing his soul eternal rest.
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