The news of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known as Mahabharata’s Karna, came as a shock to television fans. The actor reportedly passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was known to millions as the heroic and tragic Karna from B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, which ’90s kids still fondly recall watching on their small TV sets. Dheer was one of the most familiar faces on Indian television in the late ’80s and ’90s. His powerful screen presence and unforgettable portrayal made him a household name — and even decades later, fans still associate him with Karna.
Mahabharat and Pankaj Dheer
After Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer’s role in Chandrakanta was also popular among ’80s and ’90s kids. He left his mark with performances in The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badhai Ho (or Badho Bahu, if that is what you meant). In Bollywood, he appeared in films like Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah, often in small but memorable roles.
His images were used in school textbooks to depict the mythological warrior. In some parts of northern India, statues of Karna have even been built and worshipped — a rare honour for any TV actor.
Pankaj Dheer – a creative entrepreneur
Besides acting, Dheer was also a creative entrepreneur. In 2006, he started Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Jogeshwari, Mumbai, with his brother Satluj Dheer. In 2010, he set up Abbhinnay Acting Academy with his Mahabharat co-actor Gufi Paintal as the head of the faculty. There, he guided and trained the next generation of actors.
Nikitin Dheer – Pankaj Dheer’s Son
Dheer is survived by his son, Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor. Nikitin has made a name for himself in Bollywood with films like Chennai Express and Shershaah. He is married to television actress Kratika Sengar.
