Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 15: Renowned actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 65.
The news of his demise was confirmed by his close friend and CINTAA member Amit Behl, who told India Today that Dheer had been unwell for several months following a relapse of cancer. The veteran actor had also undergone major surgery related to his condition.
The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) expressed its grief through an official statement:
"With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile chairman and CINTAA’s former hon. general secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai."
Over his decades-long career, Dheer appeared in several Bollywood films such as ‘Sanam Bewafa’, ‘Baadshah’, and popular TV serials including ‘Chandrakanta’ and ‘Sasural Simar Ka’. He also ventured into direction with the film ‘My Father Godfather’ and founded the Abhinay Acting Academy to mentor aspiring actors.
In an earlier interview, Dheer had spoken about the love he received for his portrayal of Karna. “People have adored me over the years. In school books, wherever there’s a reference to Karna, they use my picture. As long as those books are printed, I’ll be remembered as Karna,” he had said.
He had also revealed that two temples — in Karnal and Bastar — have statues of him as Karna, where devotees perform daily puja. “When I visit, people shower me with love. They’ve accepted me as Karna, and that’s something truly special,” he said.
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor.