‘Mahabharat’ Star Pankaj Dheer Passes Away at 68 After Long Battle with Cancer
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away on 15 October 2025 at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), which called him “our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and former Hon. General Secretary.”
The Final Hours & Confirmation
According to CINTAA’s official statement, Dheer’s cremation was scheduled for the same day at 4:30 pm at the crematorium located next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.
The association expressed “profound grief and deep sorrow” in announcing his demise and noted that he had been engaged with the film and television fraternity not only as an actor but also as an administrative l
Career Highlights & Legacy
Rise to Fame: Karna in Mahabharat
Although Dheer’s acting portfolio spans both television and film, his performance as Karna in Mahabharat remains the role most indelibly associated with his name. That portrayal cemented his place in Indian television history, turning him into a household name.
His portrayal of Karna was so deeply etched in public memory that his images have been used in textbooks, and some followers even worship him in places like Karnal and Bastar as Karna.
Beyond the Epic
While Mahabharat stands as Dheer’s signature role, he built a versatile body of work over decades:
- Television series such as Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, Badho Bahu, and more recently Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare featured Dheer in varied roles.
- In films, he appeared in supporting roles in Soldier, Baadshah, Sadak, Andaz, among
- Dheer also contributed behind the scenes: he co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai, and founded the Abbhinnay Acting Academy to mentor upcoming talent.
Health Struggles & Hospitalization
Reports say Dheer had been battling cancer for some time, and his condition had worsened in recent months. The disease apparently relapsed after earlier treatment, and he had undergone major surgery during this period.
In March 2025, he was admitted to the ICU, as his health condition reportedly deteriorated.
While the precise medical cause of death has not been publicly detailed, multiple outlets report that cancer complications and relapse were central to his final days.
Family & Tributes
Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer, a costume designer in film and television, and their son Nikitin Dheer, who is an actor in Bollywood and television.
Nikitin, married to actress Kratika Sengar, has publicly paid tribute to his father. Many co-actors, industry peers and fans have also expressed condolences via social media, noting Dheer’s warmth, discipline, and dedication to his craft.
Impact & Enduring Legacy
- On Television & Culture: Dheer’s Karna transcended mere screen presence — it became part of India’s cultural memory. His interpretation of Karna added nuance to a character often portrayed in black-and-white moral frames.
- On Television Industry: As a veteran actor active across decades, Dheer’s body of work spans the evolution of Indian TV — from mythological epics to modern serials and web series.
- Mentoring Future Talent: His contributions through studio and acting academy initiatives have influenced many emerging performers.
- Institutional Leadership: Dheer’s involvement with CINTAA shows his commitment beyond performance — working toward structural betterment of artists’ welfare in Indian cinema and television.
Final Note
The passing of Pankaj Dheer marks the end of an era. In his portrayal of Karna, he gave India a character whose struggles, dignity and choices still resonate deeply. More than roles, Dheer’s life embodied a commitment to the arts, mentorship, and humility. He leaves behind a legacy that bridges generations — from children who first saw him in mythic TV epics to young actors …
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Last Updated on: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 3:46 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 3:46 pm | News Categories: News
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