Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who became a household name for his role as Karna in B.R. Chopra’s classic show Mahabharat, has passed away. The actor breathed his last in Mumbai on October 15 after a protracted struggle with cancer. He was 68 years old when he died. His death was an actual shock to the TV industry and to the fans who loved him a lot all around the country.
The funeral will happen on the identical day at 4:30 PM at Pawanhans Crematorium in Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, with close family, friends, and industry colleagues paying their respects. Tributes poured in from actors, filmmakers, and fans across the country, honoring Dheer’s immense contribution to Indian television and remembering his iconic portrayal of Karna.
Pankaj Dheer’s Cause Of Death
In line with The Economic Times, Pankaj Dheer had been battling cancer for several years. Although he showed signs of recovery, his condition worsened recently. At first, he gave the impression to be recovering, however the illness returned a number of months later and affected his health badly. During his treatment, he had a significant operation, but his condition deteriorated in recent weeks.
#CINTAA & #CAWT mourn the lack of Shri Pankaj Dheer, former General Secretary of #CINTAA and former Chairman of #CAWT — a respected member of our fraternity whose invaluable contributions to Indian cinema and tv will all the time be remembered.
Funeral today at 4:30 PM at… pic.twitter.com/kNTG4TTTVc
— CINTAA_Official (@CintaaOfficial) October 15, 2025
The Cine & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) released an official statement mourning his demise. The statement read, “#CINTAA & #CAWT mourn the lack of Shri Pankaj Dheer, former General Secretary of #CINTAA and former Chairman of #CAWT — a respected member of our fraternity whose invaluable contributions to Indian cinema and tv will all the time be remembered. Funeral today at 4:30 PM at Pawanhans Crematorium, Vile Parle (W). Om Shanti.”
A Profession That Defined An Era
Pankaj Dheer was born on the ninth of November, 1956, in Punjab. He began his acting profession within the early Nineteen Eighties. Dheer became one of the vital popular faces on Indian television. His portrayal of Karna within the Mahabharat continues to be considered one of the best-known and most praised performances within the history of Indian television.
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passes away at 68 💔
Known for his iconic role as ‘Angraj Karna’ in Mahabharat.
🕉️ Shanti 🙏 #pankajdheer pic.twitter.com/JhatjWLsDM
— Shivang Kaushik (@Shivangkaushik3) October 15, 2025
In a while, he featured in various characters in shows reminiscent of Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Sasural Simar Ka. On the silver screen, he was seen in Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah, amongst others. His strong screen presence, coupled along with his emotionally charged performances, turned every role right into a memorable one. His portrayal of Karna was so powerful that his picture was even included in the college textbooks.
A Legacy Beyond The Screen
Other than acting, Pankaj Dheer was a creative mind with a passion for nurturing talent. In 2006, he co-founded Visage Studioz in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari area along with his brother Satluj Dheer. Later, in 2010, he founded Abbhinnay Acting Academy, together with fellow Mahabharat actor Gufi Paintal, to coach aspiring actors.
Pankaj Dheer’s death marks the top of his golden era of Indian television. His contribution to the industry as Karna and his work will influence generations of actors in addition to fans to come back.
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