Pankaj Dheer, Karna Of Mahabharat, Dies After Cancer Battle At 68
MUMBAI — Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, forever etched in the minds of audiences as the noble warrior Karna from B.R. Chopra’s landmark 1988 television epic Mahabharat, passed away on Wednesday following a prolonged struggle with cancer. He was 68 years old.
Sources close to the family confirmed that Dheer had been fighting the illness for some time, though details of his treatment remained private. His death marks a somber moment for Indian television, where his portrayal of the tragic hero Karna marked by quiet dignity and inner turmoil captivated millions and defined a generation’s understanding of the mythological saga.
Beyond Mahabharat, Dheer’s career spanned decades across both the small and silver screens. On television, he delivered memorable performances in popular series like Chandrakanta, Badho Bahu, Zee Horror Show, and Kanoon, showcasing his versatility from fantasy adventures to courtroom dramas. His filmography boasts roles in Bollywood hits including Soldier, Andaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, where he often embodied authoritative yet layered characters.
Dheer leaves behind a proud acting legacy in his family. His son, Nikitin Dheer, has carved his own path in Hindi cinema with standout appearances in films such as Chennai Express, Jodhaa Akbar, and Sooryavanshi. Nikitin’s wife, Kratika Sengar, is a recognized television star, best known for her lead role in the historical drama Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani.
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In recent years, Dheer continued to engage audiences with his final television role in the 2024 series Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare, blending time-travel intrigue with emotional depth. He also ventured into digital content, appearing in the 2019 web series Poison, which explored themes of urban intrigue and moral ambiguity.
The actor’s last rites are scheduled for 4 p.m. today at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai’s Santa Cruz area, where family, friends, and admirers will gather to pay their respects. Tributes have already begun pouring in from across the industry, underscoring Dheer’s quiet professionalism and the indelible mark he left on storytelling that bridged myth and modernity.