Mumbai: Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his portrayal of Karna in the iconic television series Mahabharat, has passed away at the age of 68. Sources close to the family confirmed that the actor had been battling cancer for several years.
A trusted family acquaintance told DNA India, “Yes, it’s true. He has been fighting cancer for years.” While the actor had kept his health condition private, those close to him say he had shown immense strength throughout his medical ordeal.
Dheer rose to household fame in the late 1980s through Mahabharat, where his powerful performance as the valiant and tragic warrior Karna won widespread acclaim. The show became a cultural phenomenon, and Dheer’s portrayal earned him a lasting legacy in Indian television.
Over the course of his extensive career, he appeared in numerous Hindi films and television serials, often portraying characters of gravitas and depth. Whether as a stern patriarch, a noble warrior, or an imposing antagonist, Dheer brought authenticity to every role he played.
Apart from acting, he was deeply involved in nurturing new talent. He founded an acting school that trained aspiring performers and helped many young artists find their footing in the industry. He was respected not just for his screen presence, but for his dedication to the craft and the discipline he brought to every set.
The news of his passing has sent ripples across the film and television community. Colleagues, friends, and fans have taken to social media to pay heartfelt tributes, remembering him not only as a brilliant performer but also as a humble and generous human being.
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife and son, actor Nikitin Dheer, who has followed in his father’s footsteps in the entertainment world.
Final rites will be held in Mumbai, where friends, co-actors, and admirers are expected to gather and bid farewell to one of television’s most enduring faces.
