Pankaj Dheer, The Unforgettable ‘Karna’ of Indian Television, Dies at 68
Pankaj Dheer, the veteran actor who immortalized the role of the tragic hero Karna in B.R. Chopra’s epic television series Mahabharat, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 68. His demise marks the end of an era for a generation that grew up watching his powerful and nuanced portrayal of one of mythology’s most complex characters.
Born on November 9, 1956, to the noted filmmaker C.L. Dheer, Pankaj Dheer carved a niche for himself in a career spanning over four decades in both television and cinema. While he appeared in numerous films and shows, his identity became inextricably linked with Karna, a role that brought him nationwide fame and adoration.
The Role of a Lifetime: A Tryst with Destiny
Interestingly, Dheer was not the first choice for Karna. He was initially cast as Arjun in Mahabharat. However, he famously refused to shave his mustache for a sequence where Arjun assumes the disguise of Brihannala. The role of Arjun went to Feroz Khan, but destiny called Dheer back for what would become his signature character. His commanding screen presence, resonant voice, and dignified portrayal of Karna’s internal conflicts and unwavering loyalty earned him immense critical acclaim and a permanent place in the hearts of viewers. The impact was so profound that his image as Karna was used in textbooks, and temples with statues modeled after him were erected in Karnal and Bastar.
A Versatile Career Beyond Kurukshetra
While Mahabharat was his crowning achievement, Dheer’s acting prowess was not limited to one role. He became a familiar face on Indian television with memorable performances in shows like the fantasy series Chandrakanta (as King Shiv Dutt), The Great Maratha, Yug, and the more recent Badho Bahu.
He also had a significant career in Bollywood, often playing strong supporting characters. His notable film credits include Sadak (1991), Sanam Bewafa (1991), Soldier (1998), Baadshah (1999), and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (2002). In 2014, he stepped behind the camera to direct the film My Father Godfather.
A Respected Figure and Family Man
Off-screen, Dheer was remembered by his co-stars as a jovial and warm personality, contrary to the serious characters he often portrayed. Puneet Issar, who played Duryodhan, and Gajendra Chauhan, who played Yudhisthir in Mahabharat, both shared fond memories of their deep friendship and Dheer’s light-hearted nature on set.
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and their son, Nikitin Dheer, a prominent actor known for his roles in films like Chennai Express and Sooryavanshi. The acting legacy of the Dheer family continues through Nikitin and his wife, television actress Kratika Sengar.
The Indian film and television industry mourns the loss of a brilliant actor and a beloved colleague, whose legacy as the definitive Karna will endure for generations to come.