Mumbai: Veteran television and film actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s legendary TV series Mahabharat, passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 68.
The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) expressed deep sorrow over his demise, remembering him as a respected member of the fraternity. “#CINTAA & #CAWT mourn the loss of Shri Pankaj Dheer — former General Secretary of CINTAA and former Chairman of CAWT — whose invaluable contributions to Indian cinema and television will always be remembered,” the association said in a statement.
Dheer’s funeral will be held at 4:30 PM at Pawanhans Crematorium, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai.
A familiar face on Indian television in the 1980s and 1990s, Dheer appeared in popular shows such as Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badho Bahu. He also played the lead in the first episode of Zee Horror Show (1993) titled Dastak, alongside Archana Puran Singh, and starred as a defence lawyer in the courtroom drama series Kanoon.
In Bollywood, Dheer featured in several memorable films including Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah, often leaving a mark even in supporting roles.
His passing marks the end of an era for audiences who grew up watching him embody the noble warrior Karna — a role that remains etched in Indian television history.
