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<p>The Indian entertainment industry is mourning a tremendous loss. Pankaj Dheer, the veteran actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra&#8217;s legendary series <a href="https://sanatanroots.com/hanuman-arjuna-chariot-mahabharata-story/">Mahabharat</a>, passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with cancer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-career-that-defined-an-era">A Career That Defined an Era</h2>



<p>Pankaj Dheer was born on November 9, 1956, and became a prominent figure in Hindi films and television. While he appeared in numerous projects throughout his illustrious career, it was his portrayal of Karna that would forever cement his place in the hearts of millions of Indians.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-immortal-karna">The Immortal Karna</h2>



<p>In 1988, Dheer played the role of Karna in B.R. Chopra&#8217;s epic television series <a href="https://sanatanroots.com/who-were-pandava/">Mahabharat</a>, and the role brought him immense popularity. But his impact went far beyond mere fame. His pictures were used in textbooks as reference to <a href="https://sanatanroots.com/bhagavad-gita-chapter-1-verse-8/">Karna</a>, and his statues are worshipped as Karna in temples in Karnal and Bastar — a testament to how deeply his performance resonated with audiences and became intertwined with the cultural understanding of the character itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-mahabharat">Beyond Mahabharat</h2>



<p>Dheer&#8217;s versatility extended well beyond his most famous role. He appeared in several television series including Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug and Badho Bahu, and took on small roles in Hindi films such as Sadak, Soldier, Baadshah and Taarzan: The Wonder Car. He also played the lead in the debut episode Dastak of TV series Zee Horror Show in 1993, alongside Archana Puran Singh, and portrayed a defense lawyer in the TV series Kanoon, which was based on courtroom dramas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributions-beyond-acting">Contributions Beyond Acting</h2>



<p>Dheer&#8217;s passion for the entertainment industry extended beyond his on-screen performances. He tried his hand at directing with the film &#8216;My Father Godfather&#8217; and gave opportunities to new talents by founding the Abhinay Acting Academy. In 2006, Dheer established a shooting studio, Visage Studioz, along with his brother Satluj Dheer at Jogeshwari, Mumbai.</p>



<p>His dedication to the industry was also reflected in his administrative roles. He served as CINTAA&#8217;s (Cine &; TV Artistes&#8217; Association) former Hon. General Secretary and the Trust&#8217;s erstwhile Chairman.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-grieving-industry-and-family">A Grieving Industry and Family</h2>



<p>His funeral took place at 4:30 pm on October 15 at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai&#8217;s Santacruz suburb, attended by numerous Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan and Sidharth Malhotra. Actress Esha Deol and her mother, Bollywood veteran Hema Malini, were seen at the funeral, with Esha paying tribute to him on social media.</p>



<p>Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, who is a costume designer, his son Nikitin Dheer, a well-known actor who has worked in several Rohit Shetty projects such as Chennai Express, Sooryavanshi and Indian Police Force, his daughter-in-law, popular TV actor Kratika Sengar Dheer, and his granddaughter Devika, who was born in 2022.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-etched-in-stone">A Legacy Etched in Stone</h2>



<p>Pankaj Dheer&#8217;s contribution to Indian television cannot be overstated. He didn&#8217;t just play Karna — he became Karna in the collective consciousness of an entire nation. His performance transcended acting and became a cultural touchstone, shaping how generations understood one of mythology&#8217;s most complex and tragic heroes.</p>



<p>As the industry and fans mourn his loss, his work continues to inspire. His portrayal of Karna remains a masterclass in bringing depth, dignity, and humanity to a character torn between duty and destiny. Through his extensive body of work, his mentorship of young actors, and his dedication to the craft, Pankaj Dheer leaves behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.</p>



<p>Rest in peace, Pankaj Dheer. Your Karna will live forever in the hearts of millions.</p>



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Pankaj Dheer: Remembering the Legendary Karna Who Left an Indelible Mark on Indian Television
Pankaj Dheer: Remembering the Legendary Karna Who Left an Indelible Mark on Indian Television