Mahabharat’s Karna Pankaj Dheer Dies at 68 After Cancer Battle

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his powerful portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s legendary television series ‘Mahabharat’, passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 68. The actor had been battling cancer, which relapsed several months ago despite undergoing major surgery.

The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) officially confirmed his demise, stating that the cremation was held at 4:30 pm near Pawan Hans in Vile Parle (W), Mumbai. Amit Behl, CINTAA member and close friend of Dheer, shared the heartbreaking news with media outlets.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Dheer’s portrayal of the tragic warrior Karna left an indelible mark on Indian television history. His performance was so iconic that statues and temples were erected in his honor in Karnal and Bastar, where devotees worship him as Karna. In a previous interview, he revealed that an eight-foot-tall statue stands in these temples, and his image appears in school history textbooks whenever Karna is referenced.

Multifaceted Career in Entertainment

Beyond ‘Mahabharat’, Dheer appeared in notable films including ‘Sanam Bewafa’ and ‘Baadshah’, and television shows like ‘Chandrakanta’ and ‘Sasural Simar Ka’. He also ventured into direction with ‘My Father Godfather’ and founded the Abhinay Acting Academy to nurture aspiring actors.

Dheer served as CINTAA’s former Honorary General Secretary and the Trust’s erstwhile Chairman, contributing significantly to the welfare of artists. He is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son Nikitin Dheer, who is also an established actor in the film industry.