MUMBAI: Veteran Indian actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his powerful and tragic portrayal of the warrior Karna in B.R. Chopra’s epic television series Mahabharat (1988), has passed away in Mumbai. He was 68.
The actor succumbed to a prolonged battle with cancer on Wednesday morning, according to confirmations from family friends and colleagues in the industry.
An Unforgettable Icon
Pankaj Dheer became a household name across India for his iconic role as the benevolent and cursed warrior Karna. His performance in the mythological series was so impactful that, as Dheer himself once shared, his likeness as Karna has been used in school history textbooks and statues modeled on his appearance have been reportedly worshipped in parts of the country like Karnal and Bastar.
“He passed away due to cancer this morning. He had been in and out of the hospital in the past months,” producer and close friend Ashoke Pandit confirmed to media, describing the loss as a “huge” one for the industry.
The news was also officially confirmed by the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), for which Dheer had previously served as General Secretary.
A Career Beyond Kurukshetra
While his role as Karna defined his legacy, Pankaj Dheer enjoyed a long and varied career in both television and Bollywood.
- Television: He was also widely recognized for playing the antagonist King Shiv Dutt in the popular fantasy drama Chandrakanta and appeared in numerous other popular shows including The Great Maratha, Yug, Sasural Simar Ka, and Badho Bahu.
- Films: In cinema, he was a familiar face in supporting roles in successful Bollywood films such as Sadak, Soldier, and Shah Rukh Khan’s Baadshah.
- Beyond Acting: Dheer was also a director, having helmed the film My Father Godfather, and was dedicated to mentoring new talent through his Abbhinnay Acting Academy.
His Mahabharat co-stars expressed their deep sorrow. Arjun Feroz Khan, who played Arjun, posted a heartfelt tribute, saying, “Gentleman! Bids goodbye. Will miss you PD.”
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and his son, actor Nikitin Dheer, who is also a well-known face in the industry. The cremation is scheduled to take place later this evening in Vile Parle, Mumbai.
