• Published: Oct 15 2025 02:27 PM
  • Last Updated: Oct 15 2025 03:03 PM

Pankaj Dheer, famed for Karna in Mahabharat, dies at 68 after cancer fight. Remembering his legendary career and lasting legacy.



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Pankaj Dheer, the legendary Indian actor most famous for his legendary part as Karna in B.R. Chopra's famous TV series Mahabharat died of cancer on October 15th, 2025 (68). His death is collectively mourned by the film and television industry and across the nation.

Pankaj Dheer’s Battle With Cancer And Final Days

He had been battling cancer for a few months before undergoing major surgery, but unfortunately the cancer returned, leaving him in serious condition. He died in Mumbai with his family by his side and his cremation took place that same day, marking the end of a life that brought people in India so much joy in the entertainment field.

PANKAJ

Pankaj Dheer: The Legendary Karna Of Mahabharat

In 1988, Pankaj Dheer achieved greatness on television with his performance as Karna in B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat. The performances emotional intensity and restraint helped launch Karna into the canon of Indian television's most iconic characters. His performance was so well-received that images of him in the role appeared in textbooks for schools and statues created in his likeness from his performance are still worshipped in shrines today.

Pankaj Dheer Famous TV Serials And Roles

Year(s)

TV Serial Name

Role

Channel/Notes

1988–1990

Mahabharat

Karna

B.R. Chopra’s Epic

1994–1996

Chandrakanta

Raja Shivdutt

 

1997–1998

Mahabharat Katha

Karna

 

1993

Zee Horror Show (Ep: Dastak)

Monty

Lead role in debut episode

1993

Kanoon

Vijay Saxena

Courtroom drama series

2016–2018

Badho Bahu

Thakur Raghuvir Singh

Popular TV Drama

2022–2023

Ajooni

Ravindra Singh Bagga / Gyaneshwar

Star Bharat

2024

Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare

Giriraj

Sony SAB

Year

Movie Title

Role

Notes

1991

Sadak

Inspector Irani

Thriller movie

1998

Soldier

Vijay Malhotra

Bollywood action film

1999

Baadshah

Chief Security Officer Khanna

Worked with Shah Rukh Khan

2002

Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge

Shivpratap Singh

 

2003

Andaaz

Professor Rohit Malhotra

 

2003

Zameen

Captain Basheer Ali

 

2004

Taarzan: The Wonder Car

Rakesh Kapoor

Fantasy action film

2013

Mahabharat Aur Barbareek

Karna

TV film sequel

His Family And Legacy

Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer, his son Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor, and daughter-in-law Kratika Sengar. The entertainment business continues to connect this family, and several colleagues, friends, and fans honored his gracious nature and artistic contributions. 

FAQ

Pankaj Dheer was a veteran Indian actor, notable for his performance as Karna in the television series, Mahabharat (1988), which rendered him famous for generations.

Pankaj Dheer died of cancer which had relapsed despite treatment and surgery.

Besides Mahabharat, Pankaj acted in films like Baadshah, Soldier and television series like Chandrakanta.

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