Mahabharata’s Karna, Pankaj Dheer, Passes Away at 68
- Richa Verma
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
Veteran television and film actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s legendary TV series Mahabharat (1988), passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer.
According to reports from The Times of India and NDTV, Dheer was undergoing treatment in Mumbai and had been keeping unwell for several months.
Pankaj Dheer’s Legacy Etched in Indian Television History
In an era before digital fame, Pankaj Dheer became a household name through the Mahabharat series, which aired on Doordarshan and became a cultural milestone for Indian television. His portrayal of Karna, the tragic, noble warrior torn between loyalty and destiny, earned him immense respect across generations.
As the Indian Express noted, Pankaj Dheer was initially offered the role of Arjuna, but he insisted on playing Karna, believing the character’s emotional depth would connect more powerfully with audiences. His performance proved him right. Karna became one of the most beloved figures in Indian mythological storytelling.
Tributes Pour In from Across the Industry for Panjak Dheer
Following the news of his demise, tributes flooded social media from fans, co-stars, and industry colleagues. Actor Feroz Khan, who played Arjun in Mahabharat, shared an emotional video remembering his late co-star.
“He wasn’t just Karna, he was our brother, our friend.”
Khan said, visibly moved in his message.
Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Shri Krishna, also remembered him. When asked about their time on the sets of Mahabharat, Nitish recalls,
"Pankaj was a guy with a sense of humour, very straightforward. He was a live wire on the set and a good storyteller."
Celebrities and fans recalled his dignified screen presence and his roles in iconic Bollywood films such as Sadak, Tahalka, and Mr. India. He had a career spanning decades. Beyond Mahabharat, Dheer made his mark in both film and television. He appeared in several popular shows and Hindi films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. According to Mint, he also directed and produced content, showing a multifaceted creative side rarely seen in actors of his generation.
As the Economic Times highlighted, Dheer’s long fight with cancer was marked by courage and resilience. Despite health challenges, he continued to guide young actors and remained active in the television community.
His son, actor Nikitin Dheer, known for films like Chennai Express and Shershaah, also received heartfelt condolences from fans online.
Remembering the Man Behind the Myth
Fans online have shared old clips of his performance, calling him “the real Karna of Indian television.” His dignified portrayal continues to inspire meme culture, dialogues, and even classroom discussions on mythological characters.
In his 2021 interview, Pankaj Dheer once said,
“Karna’s story is about grace under suffering. Maybe that’s why people still remember him, and me, after all these years.”
His passing marks the end of an era for Indian television, where storytelling was slow, emotional, and deeply human. Explore The ScreenLight for more such news and updates.
