Actor Pankaj Dheer, widely recognized for his portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s iconic television series ‘Mahabharat,’ has passed away at the age of 68. The news of his death on Wednesday morning has shocked the entertainment industry.
His friend and co-star Firoz Khan, who played Arjun in the same series, confirmed the news to a media outlet. The veteran actor died on Wednesday, October 15, at approximately 11:30 AM, Mumbai local time.
Dheer’s final rites were scheduled for 4:30 PM local time on Wednesday in Vile Parle, Mumbai.
Actor Amit Behl, who knew Dheer for over three decades, also corroborated the news to the agency ANI. Behl expressed his deep sorrow, calling the loss “shocking and very sad.”
Behl revealed that Dheer had been ill about three years prior but had made a full recovery and resumed work. He added that he spoke to Dheer just four months ago, and the actor appeared well, had lost weight, and was working on a new project.
Media reports indicate that Dheer succumbed to cancer. He had previously battled and overcome the disease, but it reportedly returned, leading to his recent illness.
Hours before the news of his passing, Dheer’s son, actor Nikitin Dheer, shared a poignant image of Lord Shiva on social media. The post included text that read, “Let whatever is coming, come. Let whatever stays, stay. Let whatever goes, go and as a devotee of Lord Shiva, move forward (very difficult to do).”
Firoz Khan shared his personal grief, stating, “Yes, it is true that he is no longer with us. Personally, I have lost a very good friend. He was an extremely good person. I am still in shock and don’t know what to say. He was truly a wonderful individual. I cannot say more at the moment.”
Nitish Bharadwaj, who portrayed Krishna in ‘Mahabharat’, also shared a tribute on social media alongside a photo of Dheer. His post reflected on Dheer’s character and legacy.
Bharadwaj wrote, “One day we all have to leave this world, but more importantly, we should live a life that the world remembers us with love and respect. Team ‘Mahabharat’ has lost another precious gem—an artist who was sensitive, strong-willed, had an excellent sense of humor, and a heart of gold. The first ‘Angry Young Man’ of Indian literary heritage is no longer with us. I pray to God that his soul attains salvation and eternal peace.”
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Before his famed role as Karna, Pankaj Dheer was initially chosen to play Arjun in ‘Mahabharat’. Writers and panel members, including Masoom Raza, Bhring Tupkari, and Pandit Narendra Sharma, had unanimously selected him.
Dheer had even signed the contract for the role. However, B.R. Chopra required him to shave his mustache to portray Brihannala, Arjun’s eunuch avatar in a particular segment of the epic.
Dheer refused, asserting that his face’s balance depended on his mustache and that removing it would alter his look significantly. A reportedly angry Chopra then questioned his commitment as an actor for sacrificing such a major role over a mustache.
Beyond ‘Mahabharat’, Dheer had a diverse acting career across film and television. He appeared in popular films such as ‘Sanam Bewafa’ and ‘Baadshah’.
His television credits included shows like ‘Chandrakanta’ and ‘Sasural Simar Ka’. Dheer also ventured into direction with the film ‘My Father Godfather’ and established the ‘Abhinay Acting Academy’.