Mahabharat actor Pankaj Dheer passes away at 68

NikitinDheer’s father, Pankaj Dheer, breathed his last after a cancer battle.

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who over the years in television and films won hearts, breathed his last after a cancer battle. He most famously played ‘Karna’ in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata. He passed away today, October 15, after a prolonged cancer battle.

Pankaj Dheer passes away after a cancer battle.

Pankaj Dheer was best known for portraying Karna in B.R Chopra’s Mahabharat. He also served as the former Hon. General Secretary and ex-Chairman of The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA). The association also confirmed the news of his passing, expressing “profound grief and deep sorrow” over his loss. It wrote, “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 Dheerji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.”

Netizens mourn the death of Pankaj Dheer.

As soon as the news broke out, several fans and fellow actors shared their heartfelt tributes following Pankaj Dheer’s passing. His Mahabharat co-star, Arjun Feroz Khan, on his Instagram Story shared a picture with him and wrote, “Gentleman!! Bids goodbye. Will miss you, PD. Stay blessed.” Many others expressed their sorrow, remembering him as a legendary actor and a graceful human being who left an unforgettable mark on Indian television and cinema.

Beyond acting, Pankaj Dheer co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari, alongside his brother SatlujDheer. In 2010, he also launched Abbhinnay Acting Academy with fellow Mahabharat actor GufiPaintal (died in 2023) as the faculty head. Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer, son-actor NikiteenDheer and daughter-in-law-actor KratikaSengar.