Mumbai, October 15, 2025: Veteran television and film actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for portraying Karna in B.R. Chopra’s 1988 epic TV series Mahabharat, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 68.
According to reports, Dheer had been battling cancer for the past few months and was frequently in and out of hospitals.
A Celebrated Career Across Television and Cinema
Pankaj Dheer rose to fame with his powerful portrayal of Karna — one of Indian mythology’s most complex characters — earning immense admiration from audiences across generations. His portrayal as the noble yet tragic warrior made him a household name during the late 1980s and remains one of the most celebrated performances in Indian television history.
Beyond Mahabharat, Dheer featured in several successful TV shows, including Chandrakanta, Zee Horror Show, Kanoon, Badho Bahu, and Sasural Simar Ka. His last television appearance was in Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare (2024).
He also made a mark in Bollywood with notable performances in films such as Andaz, Soldier, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge.
A Family of Artists and Filmmakers
Born in Punjab, Pankaj Dheer was the son of filmmaker C.L. Dheer, who directed classics like Bahu Beti and Zindagi, both starring Geeta Bali.
His wife Anita Dheer is a renowned costume designer, while his son Nikitin Dheer has appeared in several hit films including Chennai Express, Jodhaa Akbar, and Sooryavanshi. His daughter-in-law Kratika Sengar is also a popular television actor, best known for Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani.
Contributions Beyond Acting
Apart from his on-screen legacy, Dheer was also an entrepreneur and mentor. He co-founded Visage Studioz, a Mumbai-based shooting studio, with his brother Satluj Dheer, and in 2010, he established the Abbhinnay Acting Academy to train aspiring actors.
Remembering Karna and King Shivdutt
While Mahabharat defined his career, Dheer also won acclaim for his role as King Shivdutt of Chunargarh in the 1994 fantasy series Chandrakanta, based on Devaki Nandan Khatri’s classic novel. Like Karna, Shivdutt was an anti-hero — a “vishpurush” (poisoned man) whose mere touch could be fatal — and Dheer’s commanding screen presence made the character unforgettable.
His nuanced performances helped redefine the image of the Indian television antagonist, making audiences empathize with layered, conflicted heroes.
A Legacy Etched in Indian Television
Pankaj Dheer’s contributions to Indian entertainment span nearly four decades, from mythology to modern drama, leaving an indelible mark on both television and film. His demise marks the end of an era for Indian television, but his characters — especially Mahabharat’s Karna — will continue to live on in the hearts of viewers.
