When Pankaj Dheer, the veteran Indian actor best remembered for his towering performance as Karna in the 1980s epic Mahabharat, passed away on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at 11:30 a.m., the entertainment world stopped in collective grief.
He was 68 and had been quietly fighting a resurgence of cancer, a disease he had once beaten only to see it return with a vengeance. The news was confirmed by his longtime co‑star Feroz Khan, who portrayed Arjuna in the same series. Khan told reporters, “It’s true – he’s gone. I’ve lost a dear friend, a truly amazing person.”
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Pankaj Dheer was born on 13 September 1957 in a modest family in Delhi, India. After graduating from the National School of Drama, he entered the film industry in the early 1980s, taking on supporting roles in Bollywood productions like Shahenshah (1988) alongside Amitabh Bachchan.
His big break came in 1988 when B. R. Chopra cast him as the tragic warrior Karna in the televised retelling of the Indian epic. The series premiered on 2 September 1988, a date now etched into television history:
Mahabharat TV Series PremiereNew Delhi. From that moment, Dheer’s deep voice and regal bearing turned Karna into a household name.
Iconic Role as Karna
What made Dheer’s Karna unforgettable wasn’t just his physicality; it was the nuanced way he conveyed the character’s inner conflict. In an interview with Filmfare in 1990, he explained, “Karna is the ultimate underdog, the man who never gets a fair chance. I wanted the audience to feel his pain as if it were their own.”
Critics praised his performance, noting that the actor’s eyes could “speak louder than any dialogue.” The show ran for 52 episodes, reaching an average TRP of 7.3—a staggering figure for Indian television at the time.
Health Struggles and Final Days
In 2022, Dheer publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of oral cancer. He underwent surgery and declared himself cancer‑free later that year, sparking a wave of optimism among fans. However, in early 2025, routine scans revealed a relapse in the lymph nodes.
Family members, including his wife Anita Dheer, a seasoned costume designer who worked on numerous TV productions, kept the details private. “We hoped for a miracle,” Anita later told a close‑friend reporter, “but we also wanted to respect his privacy.”
During his final weeks, Dheer stayed in a Mumbai hospital under the care of oncologists from the Tata Memorial Centre. According to a hospital statement, he received palliative treatment to manage pain, but the disease had already advanced beyond curative options.
Reactions from Industry and Fans
The moment news broke, a flood of tributes poured in on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Hashtags like #RIPPankajDheer and #KarnaForever trended worldwide, gathering over 1.2 million posts within 24 hours.
Feroz Khan posted a black‑and‑white photo of the two actors on the set, captioning it, “A true brother on and off screen.” Bollywood star Salman Khan shared a short video clip of Dheer’s Karna speech, adding, “He taught us the meaning of dignity.”
Even the political sphere chimed in; the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, said, “Pankaj Dheer’s contribution to Indian culture is priceless. His portrayal will inspire generations.”
Legacy and Impact
Beyond the screen, Dheer mentored young actors through workshops at the National School of Drama alumni network. His son Nikitin Dheer, continuing the family tradition, recently appeared as Ravana in the mythological series Ramayan – The Epic Tale, earning praise for his own powerful presence.
Film historians note that Dheer’s Karna helped usher in a golden era of Indian mythological television, paving the way for later successes like Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev and Siya Ke Ram. The character’s moral complexity — a warrior torn between loyalty and righteousness — remains a study subject in media courses across Indian universities.
As the industry mourns, streaming platforms have begun curating a “Tribute to Pankaj Dheer” playlist, ensuring that new viewers can discover his work alongside classics from the 80s and 90s.
What’s Next for the Family?
Anita Dheer announced that she will step back from her design projects temporarily to focus on her son’s upcoming drama, slated for release in early 2026. Nikitin, while grieving, confirmed he will honor his father’s memory by producing a short documentary on the making of Mahabharat, aiming for a release on YouTube in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pankaj Dheer’s most famous role?
His portrayal of Karna in B. R. Chopra’s 1988 television epic Mahabharat remains his signature role, earning him a place in India’s cultural memory.
When was the Mahabharat series first aired?
The series premiered on 2 September 1988, a landmark moment that reshaped Indian television and introduced Dheer’s Karna to millions.
Did Pankaj Dheer battle cancer before?
Yes. He was first diagnosed with oral cancer in 2022, underwent successful surgery, and announced he was cancer‑free later that year before the disease returned in early 2025.
Who confirmed his death?
His former co‑star Feroz Khan publicly confirmed the actor’s passing, describing him as a close friend.
Will there be a tribute or project in his honor?
Yes. Nikitin Dheer plans to produce a short documentary on the making of Mahabharat, slated for a 2027 release, while streaming services are curating a tribute playlist of his notable performances.
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