Pankaj Dheer Death: Mahabharat Actor Who Brought Karna to Life on Screen Dies at 68

Actor Pankaj Dheer, celebrated for his portrayal of Karna in the 1988 TV series Mahabharat by BR, passed away on Wednesday at the of 68. He had been battling cancer and frequently visiting hospitals in recent months, as reported by sources to NDTV. His career spanned various TV serials and films, leaving a lasting impact on Indian entertainment.

Pankaj Dheer's acting credits include popular TV shows like Chandrakanta, Badho Bahu, Zee Horror Show, Kanoon, and Sasural Simar Ka. In films, he appeared in Soldier, Andaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge. His son Nikitin Dheer is also an actor known for roles in Chennai Express, Jodhaa Akbar, and Sooryavanshi. Kratika Sengar, his daughter-in-law, gained fame from Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani.

Pankaj Dheer's Legacy in Entertainment

Pankaj Dheer was the son of filmmaker CL Dheer who directed movies like Bahu Beti and Zindagi featuring Geeta Bali. Beyond acting, Pankaj co-founded Visage Studioz in Mumbai with his brother Satluj Dheer. In 2010, he established the Abbhinnay Acting Academy to nurture aspiring actors.

His portrayal of Karna was one of Indian television's first anti-heroes. The character resonated with audiences as he navigated identity struggles and societal challenges while striving to be Kurukshetra's greatest warrior. This role left a significant mark on his career.

Memorable Roles Beyond Mahabharat

In addition to Karna, Pankaj Dheer brought life to King Shivdutt in Chandrakanta (1994), based on Devaki Nandan Khatri's novel. Like Karna, Shivdutt was an anti-hero—a "vishpurush" whose touch could be lethal. This character further showcased Pankaj's versatility as an actor.

His final television appearance was in Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare (2024). He also featured in the 2019 web series Poison. Despite the shadow of his iconic roles, Pankaj continued to captivate audiences with diverse performances throughout his career.

The last rites for Pankaj Dheer will take place at 4 pm today at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai's Santa Cruz suburb. His contributions to film and television remain cherished by fans and colleagues alike.