Pankaj Dheer, Iconic ‘Karna’ of Mahabharat
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Mumbai | October 15, 2025 — Veteran television and film actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for portraying the legendary warrior Karna in B.R. Chopra’s classic series Mahabharat (1988), passed away on Wednesday at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
According to family sources, Dheer had been in and out of hospitals for several months as he fought the illness with quiet strength and dignity. His final rites will be performed today at Pawan Hans Crematorium, Santacruz (Mumbai), at 4 p.m.
A Celebrated Career Spanning Over Four Decades
Pankaj Dheer’s commanding screen presence and emotionally layered performances made him one of Indian television’s most memorable faces. While Mahabharat turned him into a national icon, he went on to deliver powerful performances in other hit TV shows such as:
Chandrakanta
Zee Horror Show
Badho Bahu
Kanoon
Sasural Simar Ka
Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare (2024)
On the big screen, Dheer proved his versatility with impactful roles in Bollywood films like Soldier, Baadshah, Andaz, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge.
Family, Legacy, and Contributions Beyond Acting
Born in Punjab, Pankaj Dheer hailed from a film family. His father, C.L. Dheer, was a respected filmmaker known for directing movies like Bahu Beti and Zindagi, both featuring the legendary Geeta Bali.
His wife, Anita Dheer, is a well-known costume designer, while his son, Nikitin Dheer, followed in his footsteps and made a mark in films like Chennai Express, Jodhaa Akbar, and Sooryavanshi. His daughter-in-law, Kratika Sengar, is a popular TV actress recognized for her work in Jhansi Ki Rani.
Beyond acting, Pankaj Dheer co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai, alongside his brother Satluj Dheer, to support the next generation of filmmakers. In 2010, he also launched the Abbhinnay Acting Academy, nurturing aspiring actors and sharing his love for the craft.
The Unforgettable ‘Karna’
Dheer’s portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat remains one of the most powerful and emotionally resonant performances in Indian television history. His nuanced depiction of the tragic hero — born into hardship, torn by loyalty, and driven by honor — made viewers empathize deeply with one of the epic’s most complex characters.
As Karna, Pankaj Dheer introduced television audiences to one of the earliest “anti-heroes” — a man both noble and flawed, righteous yet misunderstood. Decades later, his performance continues to be remembered as a benchmark in Indian TV storytelling.
Tributes Pour In
Fans, colleagues, and industry peers have taken to social media to express their grief and admiration for the actor. Many remembered him not only as an accomplished performer but also as a kind, grounded, and generous human being.
Actor Nikitin Dheer, his son, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram hinting at his father’s strength and legacy, writing about the importance of “letting go” — a message that resonated deeply with fans mourning the loss.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even though Pankaj Dheer’s mortal journey has ended, his influence on Indian entertainment will continue through his timeless performances and the generations of actors he inspired. His journey from Mahabharat’s mythic battlefield to the modern-day television screen stands as a testament to his enduring passion for storytelling.
FAQ
Pankaj Dheer son name
Nikitin Dheer.