The Indian entertainment industry mourned the loss of one of its most revered actors on October 15, 2025, when veteran television and film star Pankaj Dheer passed away in Mumbai at the age of 68. The actor, immortalized in the hearts of millions as Karna from BR Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat, succumbed to cancer after a prolonged battle against the disease.
Cause of Death: A Brave Battle Against Cancer
Pankaj Dheer had been battling cancer for an extended period, undergoing major surgeries and treatment to fight the deadly disease. According to reports, while he initially showed improvement and fought through the illness with determination, the cancer relapsed a few months before his death, leaving him critically unwell. The disease, which had weakened his body significantly, ultimately proved fatal. Despite his valiant efforts and multiple medical interventions, the veteran actor breathed his last on Wednesday morning at his Mumbai residence.
The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) officially confirmed his passing, releasing a statement that read: “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA’s former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025”. The association acknowledged his invaluable contributions to Indian cinema and television, noting that he would always be remembered as a respected member of their fraternity.
Celebrities Who Attended His Funeral: A Heartfelt Farewell
The final rites of Pankaj Dheer were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle West, Mumbai, on Wednesday evening at 4:30 PM. The cremation ceremony witnessed an outpouring of grief and respect from the film and television industry, with numerous prominent personalities arriving to pay their last respects to the legendary actor.
Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan was among the first high-profile celebrities to arrive at the funeral. The actor, who had shared screen space with Pankaj Dheer in films like Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Sanam Bewafa, and Jaagruti, was visibly emotional as he arrived amid heavy security arrangements. Salman was seen consoling Dheer’s son, actor Nikitin Dheer, embracing him warmly and offering comfort to the bereaved family during their moment of profound loss. In an old interview, Pankaj had spoken highly of Salman, calling him “the most beautiful human” in the industry and expressing deep respect for his character.
Sidharth Malhotra, dressed in a simple white shirt and blue jeans, was also present at the funeral to bid farewell to his Shershaah co-star’s father. The actor spent time with Nikitin Dheer, offering his condolences to the family and paying tribute to the veteran performer.
Arbaaz Khan, Salman’s brother, arrived separately to honor Pankaj Dheer’s memory. Dressed in an all-white outfit, Arbaaz joined other mourners in paying his final respects, demonstrating the industry’s collective grief at the loss of such a talented artist.
Singer Mika Singh attended the funeral and appeared visibly emotional during his visit. The singer’s presence reflected the widespread impact Pankaj Dheer had across different segments of the entertainment industry.
Veteran actor Mukesh Rishi, known for his powerful character roles, was also spotted at the cremation ground, paying his last respects to his colleague and friend. Rishi’s attendance highlighted the deep bonds Dheer had formed with fellow actors throughout his extensive career.
The filmmaking duo Abbas-Mustan, dressed in white, arrived to honor the memory of the actor with whom they had worked in the 1999 blockbuster Baadshah.
Pankaj Dheer’s Mahabharat co-stars were also present in significant numbers. Arjun Feroz Khan, who played Arjuna opposite Dheer’s Karna in the epic series, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing “Gentleman! Bids goodbye. Will miss you, PD. Stay blessed”. Surendra Pal, who portrayed Dronacharya in Mahabharat, was deeply affected by the loss, posting on Instagram: “Rest in Peace Pankaj Dheer, it has been 46 years of Friendship even before the Mahabharat time. He was like a brother to me”.
Puneet Issar, who played Duryodhana in Mahabharat, expressed his heartbreak, stating: “Karna and Duryodhan were brothers, and I could play that part with him so naturally because I had known him even before we did Mahabharat. I am heartbroken, and I will always miss him”.
Television actors Kushal Tandon, Deepika Kakkar, and Shoaib Ibrahim were also seen at the funeral, standing in solidarity with their friend Nikitin Dheer during this difficult time. Kratika Sengar, Nikitin’s wife and a popular television actress, was by her husband’s side as he performed his father’s last rites.
The Making of a Legend: Pankaj Dheer’s Iconic Acting Career
Born on November 9, 1956, in Punjab, India, Pankaj Dheer came from a family deeply rooted in the film industry. His father, C.L. Dheer, was a well-known filmmaker who directed and produced several notable films in the 1960s and 1970s, including Bahu Beti, Rain Basera, Aakhri Raat, and Zindagi. Growing up in this cinematic environment, Pankaj initially aspired to become a director like his father.
However, fate had different plans. Pankaj Dheer made his acting debut in 1983 with the film Sookha, marking the beginning of a career that would span over four decades. The early years saw him taking on various character roles in films, steadily building his craft and screen presence.
The Mahabharat Phenomenon: Becoming Karna
The turning point in Pankaj Dheer’s career came in 1988 when he was cast as Karna in BR Chopra’s television adaptation of the Hindu epic Mahabharat. Interestingly, Dheer was initially not meant to play Karna—he had auditioned for and been selected to play Arjuna. The writers of the show, including Rahi Masoom Raza and Bhring Tupkari, were impressed by his audition and even signed a contract with him for the Arjuna role.
However, when director BR Chopra informed him that playing Arjuna would require shaving his moustache to portray Brihannala (Arjuna’s disguise as a eunuch during exile), Dheer refused, believing his facial features wouldn’t suit a clean-shaven look. This decision, which he later called “my big stupidity,” cost him the role of Arjuna but opened the door to something far more significant.
Destiny intervened when Chopra offered him the role of Karna instead—a character that would become synonymous with Pankaj Dheer’s name for generations to come. His portrayal of the tragic, noble warrior was nothing short of masterful. He captured Karna’s complex emotions—his unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana, his inner conflict about his true parentage, his sense of injustice, and his ultimate sacrifice—with such depth and authenticity that audiences across India were mesmerized.
The impact of Mahabharat on Indian television cannot be overstated. The series, which aired on Doordarshan from 1988 to 1990, became a cultural phenomenon that brought the nation to a standstill every Sunday morning. Pankaj Dheer’s Karna became one of the most beloved and sympathetic characters of the epic, with his performance forcing audiences to reconsider the traditional antagonist portrayal of Karna and instead see him as a tragic hero caught in the web of destiny.
Beyond Karna: A Versatile Career
After Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer continued to deliver powerful performances across television and cinema. On television, he starred in several iconic shows including:
- Chandrakanta (1994-1996): Playing King Shivdutt in this fantasy series based on Devaki Nandan Khatri’s novel
- The Great Maratha: Showcasing his ability to portray historical figures
- Kanoon: Demonstrating his range in legal dramas
- Yug: Another mythological offering that benefited from his commanding presence
- Badho Bahu: Proving his relevance in contemporary television
- Sasural Simar Ka: Appearing in one of television’s most popular family dramas
- Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev (2012-2014): Playing Himavan in 131 episodes
In Bollywood, Pankaj Dheer carved out a niche as a dependable character actor, appearing in numerous commercially successful films:
- Sadak (1991): Starring alongside Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt
- Sanam Bewafa (1991): A romantic thriller
- Soldier (1998): An action-packed Bobby Deol starrer
- Baadshah (1999): A Shah Rukh Khan comedy thriller directed by Abbas-Mustan
- Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (2002): Another collaboration with Salman Khan
- Andaaz (2003): Featuring Akshay Kumar
- Zameen (2003): An Ajay Devgn action film
- Taarzan – The Wonder Car (2004): A supernatural thriller
His filmography also included titles like Jaagruti (1992), Aashik Aawara (1993), Ikke Pe Ikka (1994), and many others, demonstrating his prolific output and versatility.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond acting, Pankaj Dheer was also an entrepreneur and mentor. In 2006, he co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari, with his brother Satluj Dheer. In 2010, he launched Abbhinnay Acting Academy with fellow Mahabharat actor Gufi Paintal as the faculty head, dedicating himself to training the next generation of performers.
In 2014, Dheer tried his hand at directing with the film My Father Godfather, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of filmmaking.
Cultural Icon: Worship and Recognition
Perhaps the most remarkable testament to Pankaj Dheer’s impact as Karna was the extraordinary cultural phenomenon that followed his portrayal. His performance was so powerful and authentic that it transcended the boundaries of entertainment and entered the realm of religious devotion.
In towns like Karnal (historically associated with Karna) and Bastar, eight-feet-tall statues modeled after Pankaj Dheer’s appearance as Karna were erected and are worshipped in temples dedicated to the character. Devotees visit these temples regularly, offering prayers to the image of Karna as portrayed by Dheer—a rare and remarkable honor for any television actor.
His image as Karna was also used in school textbooks when referring to the Mahabharata character, cementing his portrayal as the definitive visual representation of the warrior for an entire generation.
In interviews, Pankaj Dheer expressed humility about this unique form of recognition. He once said: “People have loved me and adored me over the years. Even in history books, if there’s a reference to Karna, my picture is used. There’s an eight-feet-tall statue of mine at a temple, and people come to worship. It’s humbling to see that they have accepted me as Karna”.
He also revealed that he declined offers to reprise his role in later adaptations of Mahabharat, stating: “I have played Karna, and that is it for me. It’s not about money. I don’t want to confuse my fans. It wouldn’t be justice to their love”.
Family Legacy: The Next Generation
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, who worked as a costume designer in the industry. The couple was married on October 19, 1976, and their union lasted nearly five decades until his passing.
Their son, Nikitin Dheer, has successfully carried forward his father’s legacy in the entertainment industry. Born into an artistic family, Nikitin made his acting debut in 2008 with Ashutosh Gowariker’s historical epic Jodhaa Akbar, where he played the fierce warrior Sharifuddin Hussain opposite Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. His debut performance earned critical acclaim, with noted critic Taran Adarsh describing him as “fantastic”.
Nikitin went on to establish himself as a formidable presence in Indian cinema, particularly in antagonist and powerful character roles. His notable films include:
- Ready (2011) with Salman Khan
- Dabangg 2 (2012) alongside Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha
- Chennai Express (2013), where his portrayal of Thangaballi opposite Shah Rukh Khan made him a household name
- Kanche (2015), a Telugu film
- Sooryavanshi (2021) with Akshay Kumar, where he played Mukhtar Ansari
- Shershaah (2021) with Sidharth Malhotra
On television, Nikitin portrayed Astika in the fantasy series Naagarjuna – Ek Yoddha (2016-2017) and recently appeared as Ravana in Shrimad Ramayan (2024). He also featured in the series Indian Police Force (2024).
In 2014, Nikitin married popular television actress Kratika Sengar, known for her role in Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani. The couple welcomed their daughter, Devika, in 2022, bringing joy to the Dheer family.
Industry Tributes: Remembering a Gentleman
The news of Pankaj Dheer’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry. His co-stars, colleagues, and admirers took to social media to express their grief and share memories of the beloved actor.
Gajendra Chauhan, who played Yudhishthir in Mahabharat, shared warm memories: “I am deeply saddened and will miss him a lot. Pankaj was not the serious guy he looked like on screen. He was very jovial, always smiling and a wonderful host. We used to meet every fortnight at someone’s home, and Pankaj would keep everyone laughing. Shooting with him was smooth and joyful because he was light-hearted and pleasant”.
Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, penned on social media: “Shocked to know about the sad demise of our dear friend and a brilliant actor, Pankaj Dheer. A great human being. Huge loss to the industry. Heartfelt condolences to the family”.
Hema Malini expressed her devastation, describing Pankaj as a “dear friend” and noting that “he was determined to overcome his fight with cancer”.
These tributes highlighted not just Pankaj Dheer’s talent as an actor, but also his qualities as a human being—his warmth, generosity, and the positive energy he brought to every set and every relationship.
The Difficult Journey: Family Struggles and Resilience
Pankaj Dheer’s journey to success was not without significant hardship. In interviews, he revealed a heartbreaking story from his youth that shaped his family’s fortunes and his own determination to succeed.
His father, filmmaker C.L. Dheer, was co-producing a film called Raano in the mid-1960s, starring Dharmendra and veteran actress Geeta Bali. Both C.L. Dheer and Geeta Bali had invested equal amounts of money in the project, with C.L. Dheer also serving as director. The film was nearly complete, with just three days of Geeta Bali’s scenes remaining to be shot.
Tragically, Geeta Bali contracted smallpox in Punjab and passed away suddenly in 1965. On her deathbed, she had made C.L. Dheer promise that he would not replace her with another actress and would honor her involvement in the film. True to his word, C.L. Dheer kept his promise and shelved the project entirely.
This decision, while honorable, proved financially devastating for the Dheer family. They lost everything invested in the film and never fully recovered from the financial blow. As a result, young Pankaj had to start working as a teenager to support his family and help them recover from this loss.
This early experience of hardship instilled in Pankaj Dheer a strong work ethic and determination that would serve him throughout his career. Despite the setbacks, he persevered and ultimately achieved success that honored his father’s legacy while creating his own enduring mark on Indian entertainment.
A Career Remembered: The Challenges Behind the Scenes
Pankaj Dheer’s portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat was achieved under extremely challenging conditions. In a 2016 interview with Hindustan Times, he recalled the difficult shooting circumstances:
“We had no vanity vans or make-up rooms. We stayed in tents. There was one toilet for 40 people. We didn’t have personal make-up men. We would wear heavy metal costumes that would heat up and were very uncomfortable”.
The physical dangers were also real. During one scene, his chariot broke down while racing across a field, and the horses went haywire. “I had to jump off the chariot or I would have died,” he recalled. In another incident during a fight scene, he was hit by an arrow near his eye and required surgery.
Despite these hardships, Dheer and his co-stars persevered, creating a television masterpiece that has endured for over three decades and continues to be watched and revered by new generations.
The Enduring Legacy
Pankaj Dheer’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in multiple dimensions. His portrayal of Karna redefined how audiences perceive the tragic hero of the Mahabharata, transforming him from a mere antagonist to a deeply sympathetic character whose struggles with dharma, loyalty, and identity continue to resonate with viewers.
His work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to his craft set standards for generations of actors who followed. The fact that his physical appearance as Karna became the template for religious worship in temples and textbook illustrations speaks to a level of cultural penetration that few actors ever achieve.
Through his son Nikitin and granddaughter Devika, the Dheer family legacy in Indian entertainment continues, ensuring that the values and artistic excellence Pankaj embodied will be passed down to future generations.
As the industry and millions of fans mourned his passing, they celebrated a life well-lived, a career that touched hearts, and a performance that will forever be etched in the collective memory of Indian television audiences. Pankaj Dheer may have left this mortal realm, but as Karna, he achieved a form of immortality that few artists ever attain.
Om Shanti.
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