The Indian film and television industry is deeply saddened today as veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his immortal portrayal of the great warrior Karn in B.R. Chopra’s iconic series Mahabharat, has passed away. The actor died in Mumbai at the age of 68 on Wednesday, following a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.
Dheer, a respected figure in the entertainment fraternity, had been in and out of hospitals over the past few months as his health deteriorated. The news of his demise has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and legions of fans across the country who still remember him as the tragic hero of the Kurukshetra war.
Pankaj Dheer’s career spanned decades, featuring roles in popular films like Baadshah, Soldier, and Sadak, and notable TV shows like Chandrakanta. However, his majestic and poignant performance as Karn in the late 1980s epic remains his defining legacy.
His rendition of the noble, cursed, and generous warrior resonated so profoundly with audiences that the character became virtually synonymous with his identity. Dheer himself once recounted the immense public acceptance of his role, stating that his image was often used in school history textbooks to represent the mythological figure. In a rare honour for a TV actor, statues modeled after his Karn persona are reportedly worshipped in parts of India.
The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) confirmed the news, expressing deep sorrow at the passing of their former Hon. General Secretary and Trustee, cementing his importance not just as an actor but as a key member of the industry’s governing body. The actor’s funeral will take place in Mumbai later today.
Sources close to the family confirm that Pankaj Dheer had been battling cancer for some time. Though he had previously shown resilience and even returned to work after an earlier recovery, the disease relapsed a few months ago, severely impacting his health. He fought bravely, undergoing major surgery in a bid to overcome the illness that eventually claimed his life.
In his final months, the actor’s focus remained on his family and his enduring commitment to the craft of acting, even as he managed his declining health. The industry now celebrates his perseverance and the grace he maintained throughout his difficult period.
Pankaj Dheer leaves behind a family that also actively contributes to the world of cinema and television. His wife, Anita Dheer, is a well-known costume designer, having worked behind the scenes on various projects.
His son, Nikitin Dheer, has carved out his own successful career as an actor, notably portraying powerful antagonist roles in films like Chennai Express, Sooryavanshi and Housefull 5, and recently taking on the character of Ravan in the TV series Shrimad Ramayan. Nikitin Dheer often cited his father as his greatest critic and mentor, a relationship built on deep mutual respect for the acting profession.
The actor’s commitment extended to nurturing new talent, as he had also founded the Abbhinnay Acting Academy, further cementing his contribution to the future of Indian entertainment.
As fans and colleagues pay tribute to the man who gave one of mythology’s most complex characters a definitive face, the legacy of Pankaj Dheer’s compelling and unforgettable performances, led by his monumental portrayal of Karn, continues to live on. The industry has lost a stellar performer and a true gentleman of the screen.
