Actor Pankaj Dheer, remembered as Mahabharat’s iconic Karna, passes away after cancer battle
Actor Pankaj Dheer, remembered as Mahabharat’s iconic Karna, passes away after cancer battle
The veteran actor, whose portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s epic earned him enduring reverence, died on October 15 following a relapse of cancer.
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his legendary portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s “Mahabharat”, passed away on October 15 after a prolonged battle with cancer. According to reports, the actor had undergone major surgery earlier this year, but his condition deteriorated after the disease relapsed a few months ago.
Dheer, whose performance as the noble yet tragic warrior Karna became one of Indian television’s most memorable roles, continued to be revered by fans across generations. Apart from his acclaimed work in Mahabharat, he appeared in several films including Sanam Bewafa, Baadshah, and television serials such as Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka.
A versatile artist, Dheer also ventured into direction with his film My Father Godfather and founded the Abhinay Acting Academy, nurturing new generations of performers.
In a past interview, Dheer had reflected on the deep emotional connection audiences shared with his portrayal of Karna. He revealed that temples had been built in his honour, with daily worship performed at the Karna Mandir in Karnal and Bastar, where statues of him as Karna stand tall. “People have loved me and adored me over the years. Even in school history books, if they mention Karna, my picture is used. As long as those books exist, I’ll live on as Karna,” he had said.
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and son, actor Nikitin Dheer.
