Pankaj Dheer was a veteran Indian actor best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in the tv series Mahabharata. The role left an enduring mark, making him a beloved figure whose popularity endured long after the show ended, a lot in order that fans worshipped him in two temples. Sadly, the actor passed away on Wednesday after battling cancer, leaving a deep void within the lives of his family members. Keep scrolling for more.
Besides Mahabharata, the late actor appeared in several period drama series, including Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, and more. He was also seen in a couple of Hindi movies, including Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah. His son Nikitin Dheer can also be a known face in showbiz, especially for enjoying Thangaballi in Chennai Express.
Worshipped as Karna: Pankaj Dheer’s Enduring Legacy
Back in 2020, in an interview with India Forums, Pankaj Dheer revealed how much he was loved and adored by the fans for enjoying Karna, and it continued years after the show ended. He revealed, “Even within the history books of college, in the event that they have a reference to Karna, they’ve my picture there. So, so long as these books can be printed at school, I’ll all the time be their reference as Karna.”
Pankaj Dheer’s idol as Karna is worshipped in two temples.
The late actor also revealed he’s worshipped in Karnal and Bastar. Dheer said, “I even have two temples where there’s Puja done every single day. I’m worshipped there in Karna mandir. I even have been to those temples. One is in Karnal and one is in Bastar.” Dheer added, “There’s an eight-foot-tall statue of mine, and folks come there and worship it. When I am going there, people love me from the underside of their hearts. This goes to indicate that they’ve accepted me as Karna. This becomes very difficult for others to play that role again. I even have been offered numerous roles in other versions of Mahabharat, but I refused it. I even have played Karna, and that’s it for me. It isn’t about money. I can earn money otherwise. But I don’t need to confuse my fans. It won’t be justice to my fans.”
About Mahabharat
Mahabharat aired on Doordarshan from 1988 to 1990. It was directed by Ravi Chopra and produced by BR Chopra. Pankaj Dheer and the opposite actors left an everlasting mark on the viewers’ minds with their performances.
Pankaj Dheer passes away at 68
The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) announced with deep sorrow that Pankaj Dheer, former Chairman of their Trust and ex-Hon. The General Secretary passed away on 15 October 2025. He had cancer. His colleagues and folks from the industry mourn his death.
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