"He was a fine actor and an even finer human being."
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Pankaj Dheer passed away due to cancer. He was 68 years old.
A prolific actor, Pankaj began his career in show business in 1970.
Perhaps, he amassed the most fame when he played Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988–1990).
In the show, Karna was one of the main antagonists and shared an intense enmity with the character of Arjun.
Karna fought valiantly for the Kauravas and was close friends with Prince Duryodhana.
Ultimately, he was killed by Arjun.
Pankaj Dheer was originally from Punjab. His father was the filmmaker, CL Dheer, who directed classics such as Bahu Beti (1953) and Zindagi (1956), which both starred Geeta Bali.
After Mahabharat, Pankaj went on to star in many popular television shows including Chandrakanta (1994–1996), Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat (2008–2010), and Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev (2012–2014).
His wife Anita Dheer is a costume designer and his son Niktin Dheer has starred in films including Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Chennai Express (2013), and Sooryavanshi (2021).
Niktin is married to Kratika Sengar, who is widely known for her roles as Rani Lakshmibai in Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani (2009–2011), and Tanushree Khurana Bedi / Tanuja Sikand Bedi in Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki (2016–2018).
Pankaj also appeared in many films including Soldier (1998), Baadshah (1999), and Zameen (2003).
Since the news of his death, condolences for the late actor emerged on social media.
Sunny Deol said: “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Pankaj Dheer Ji.
“I knew him and was very close to him. He was a fine actor and an even finer human being.
“His contribution to cinema will always be remembered.
“My prayers are with his family.”
MP Raghav Chadha tweeted: “An entire generation remembers his calm strength and powerful eyes.
“Pankaj Dheer Ji wasn’t just acting as Karna.”
“He was giving us a visual of grace, conflict and quiet heroism that still lingers in memory.
“This has always been my favourite scene – a moment that defined Karna’s dignity and inner fire for me.
“We all cherish those evenings spent watching him bring dharma, loyalty and dignity to life.”
An entire generation remembers his calm strength and powerful eyes.
Pankaj Dheer ji wasn’t just acting as Karna, he was giving us a visual of grace, conflict and quiet heroism that still lingers in memory.This has always been my favourite scene- a moment that defined Karna’s… pic.twitter.com/J3CALn7P7k
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) October 15, 2025
Hema Malini wrote: “I have lost a very dear friend today and am totally devastated.
“Pankaj Dheer, always so affectionate, enthusiastic about everything, a talented actor who won audience hearts with his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat, so full of life, has breathed his last.
“He passed away after a spunky fight with cancer which he was determined to overcome.
“To me, he was always so supportive, encouraging me in whatever I undertook and always by my side when I needed him.
“I will miss his constant support and presence in my life.
“My heart goes out in distress to his dear wife, Anita Ji, who was the light of his life.”
I have lost a very dear friend today and am totally devastated. Pankaj Dheer, always so affectionate, enthusiastic about everything, a talented actor who won audience hearts with his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat, so full of life, has breathed his last. He passed away after a… pic.twitter.com/8DC51AT6uS
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) October 15, 2025
Pankaj’s funeral was notably attended by Salman Khan, who offered comforting condolences to the grieving family.
Pankaj Dheer’s last television appearance was in Dhruv Tara – Sunny Sadi Se Pare (2024), where he played Giriraj.
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