Mumbai, Oct 15: Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s 1988 television epic Mahabharat, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 68. The actor had been battling cancer in recent months and had been in and out of hospitals, sources confirmed.
Over a career spanning several decades, Dheer made his mark not only in television but also in films. His memorable TV credits include Chandrakanta, Badho Bahu, Zee Horror Show, Kanoon, and more recently, Sasural Simar Ka. On the big screen, he appeared in movies such as Soldier, Andaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, earning acclaim for his versatility and commanding screen presence.
Pankaj Dheer hailed from Punjab and was the son of filmmaker C.L. Dheer, who directed films like Bahu Beti and Zindagi, starring Geeta Bali. Alongside his acting career, he also ventured into filmmaking and production, co-founding Visage Studioz in Mumbai with his brother Satluj Dheer. In 2010, he established the Abbhinnay Acting Academy, dedicated to mentoring and training aspiring actors, further cementing his contribution to Indian entertainment.
Despite numerous roles in films and TV, it was his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat that made him a household name. As Karna, he portrayed one of Indian television’s first anti-heroes—a character torn between loyalty, social constraints, and personal ambition, captivating audiences nationwide. His performance left a lasting impact, creating a character remembered for decades.
Beyond Karna, Dheer made another memorable mark as King Shivdutt in the 1994 television adaptation of Chandrakanta, based on Devaki Nandan Khatri’s 1888 novel. Much like Karna, King Shivdutt was an anti-hero, a vishpurush whose every action—touch, kiss, or scratch—carried deadly consequences. This role further showcased Dheer’s ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters with nuance and authority.
His last stint on television was in Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare (2024), and he was also seen in the 2019 web series Poison, reflecting his continuous engagement with evolving formats and platforms in Indian entertainment.
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer, a renowned costume designer, their son Nikitin Dheer, known for films like Chennai Express, Jodhaa Akbar, and Sooryavanshi, and daughter-in-law Kratika Sengar, an actor celebrated for her role in Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani. His family continues his legacy in the world of Indian cinema and television.
Pankaj Dheer’s contributions to Indian television and cinema extend beyond acting; his mentorship through the acting academy and support for filmmaking initiatives reflect his enduring dedication to the craft. His career, which began in minor film roles in the 1980s, blossomed into iconic performances that inspired generations of actors and audiences alike.
The actor’s last rites will be held today at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai’s Santa Cruz suburb at 4 pm, marking the final farewell to a celebrated actor whose legacy spans decades and whose portrayals of Karna and King Shivdutt remain etched in the hearts of viewers. (Agencies)
