Actor Pankaj Dheer, known for playing the role of Karna in BR Chopra’s popular television serial, Mahabharata, has passed away after battling with cancer. Pankaj was reportedly suffering from the disease which relapsed a few months back after he underwent a major surgery.
As per India Today, Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) confirmed the news in an official statement. “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 cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai," read the statement.
Pankaj started his career by starring in M.S. Sathyu’s bilingual film Sookha (1983), the Malayalam crime-thriller, Randam Varavu (1990) and Rahul Rawail’s Jeevan Ek Sanghursh (1990). He shot to fame after essaying the role of Karna in the television show, Mahabharata (1988-1990). After this, the actor starred in Sanjay Dutt’s Sadak (1991), Bobby Deol’s Soldier (1998), Shah Rukh Khan’s Baadshah (1999) and Ajay Devgn's Tarzan (2004).
From 1994 to 1996, Pankaj starred in TV show Chandrakanta, loosely based on author Devaki Nandan Khatri's 1888 novel of the same name. He essayed the popular role of Shivdutt, the king of fictional kingdom of Chunargarh.
In the late 2000s, Pankaj appeared in many daily soaps Teen Bahuraaniyaan, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat and Sasural Simar Ka. He was recently seen in the television show, Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare, which aired on Sab TV in 2024.
Pankaj is survived by his wife, costume designer, Anita Dheer, with whom he has a son, actor Niktin Dheer.
