Veteran Actor Pankaj Dheer, ‘Mahabharat’s Karna, Passes Away at 68

The Indian film and television industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his unforgettable portrayal of the warrior Karna in B. R. Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat. The actor passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 68, after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.

Confirming the heartbreaking news, Dheer’s close friends and colleagues expressed deep sorrow. Actor Amit Behl, a member of the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), shared that Dheer had been unwell for some time, with the cancer relapsing in recent months despite him undergoing major surgery.

An Iconic Legacy: The Immortal Karna

Pankaj Dheer’s career spanned decades across film and television, but it was his role as the magnanimous and tragic hero Karna in the 1988 series Mahabharat that cemented his legacy. His commanding presence, intense delivery, and dignified performance made his depiction of the Suryaputra (Son of the Sun God) arguably the most definitive on-screen version of the character. The impact of his portrayal transcended entertainment, with his likeness being used in school textbooks as a reference for Karna. In a rare honour, the actor once noted that statues modelled after his look as Karna are worshipped in temples in parts of India.

Beyond the epic saga, Dheer displayed his versatility in numerous films such as Sanam Bewafa, Baadshah, and Soldier, and was a prominent face in popular television shows like Chandrakanta, Sasural Simar Ka, and Badho Bahu. He was also a director, having helmed the film My Father Godfather, and founded the Abhinay Acting Academy, contributing to the next generation of performers.

Son Nikitin Dheer Expresses Grief

The actor is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and son, actor Nikitin Dheer. Nikitin, known for his roles in films like Chennai Express and Shershaah, is said to be deeply affected by the loss. “It is very hard to move on,” a source close to the family conveyed, reflecting the immense pain felt by his loved ones.

The funeral and final rites were conducted in Mumbai later the same day and saw the attendance of numerous industry colleagues, including his Mahabharat co-stars and actor Salman Khan, all gathering to pay their last respects to the departed soul.

The passing of Pankaj Dheer marks the end of an era for Indian television, leaving behind a void that will be hard to fill. His contribution, particularly as the iconic Karna, will continue to be cherished by generations of fans.