Beloved actor Pankaj Dheer, remembered by millions for his powerful battle with cancer. He took his last breath in Mumbai, surrounded by family and loved ones. The news of his passing has left fans and colleagues deeply saddened. Pankaj Dheer had been fighting cancer for quite some time — though he showed strength and hope through recovery periods, the illness sadly returned. His funeral and cremation were held in Mumbai, where friends, family, and co-stars gathered to pay their final respects. He is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and son, actor Nikitin Dheer.
Pankaj Dheer Most Memberable Scene as Karne in Mahabharat
One of Pankaj Dheer’s most unforgettable moments as Karna in Mahabharat is the emotional scene where Karna meets his mother, Kunti, just before the war of Kurukshetra. In this powerful scene, Kunti tells Karna that she is his real mother and begs him to leave the Kauravas and join his real brothers, the Pandavas. Karna, played with deep emotion by Dheer, gently refuses because of his loyalty to Duryodhana and his love and respect for the woman who raised him, Radha. However, he promises Kunti that he will not kill any of his brothers except Arjun.
Career and Achievement
Pankaj Dheer became famous after playing the role of Karna in Mahabharat, which was a big turning point in his acting career and made him a popular TV star.
He also appeared in many other television shows like Chandrakanta (as King Shiv Dutt), The Great Maratha, Yug, Badho Bahu, Zee Horror Show, Kanoon, and Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev.
Besides TV, he acted in several Bollywood movies such as Sadak, Soldier, Baadshah, Andaaz, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, mostly in supporting roles.
All Television Shows
Mahabharat (1988)
Karna – his most iconic role
Chandrakanta (1990s) –
King Shiv Dutt
The Great Maratha
Mahadji Shinde
Yug
Lord Krishna (in some episodes)
Badho Bahu
Raghubir Singh’s father / Dadaji
Zee Horror Show
Various characters in different episodes
Kanoon
Various roles (as part of episodic stories)
Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev – King Hemavan
Sasuraal Simar Ka
Mahendra Bharadwaj
Rani Mahal
Supporting role
Karmaphal Daata Shani
Surya Dev (Sun God)
Paramavatar Shri Krishn – a
Jarāsandha
Vish Ya Amrit – Sitara
Raja Ratan Singh
Vighnaharta Ganesh
Lord Vishnu (guest role)
All Bollywood Movies
Sadak (1991)
Supporting role (Police officer)
Sanam Bewafa (1991)
Supporting role
Baadshah (1999)
Col. H.S. Kaur
Soldier (1998)
Supporting role (Army officer)
Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (2002)
Supporting role
Andaaz (2003)
Supporting role (Military officer)
Mr. Bond (1992)
Villain’s henchman
Saugandh (1991)
Supporting role
Qayamat (2003)
Military / Authority role
Ikke Pe Ikka (1994)
Supporting role
Tahalka (1992)
Commando / Military officer
Izzat (1991)
Supporting role
Refugee (2000)
Cameo role
Azaad Desh Ke Gulam (1990)
Supporting role
Sadak 2 (2020)
Supporting role
Jaal: The Trap (2003)
Officer / supporting role
Dulhe Raja (1998)
Guest role
Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage (2002)
Supporting role
Mrityudaata (1997)
Supporting role
Personal Life and Legacy
Pankaj Dheer was born on November 9, 1956, in Punjab. He was the son of filmmaker C. L. Dheer.
He had a son, Nikitin Dheer, who is also a well-known actor, and his daughter-in-law is actress Kratika Sengar.
Pankaj Dheer’s performance as Karna left such a strong impact that his photos were even included in school textbooks, and his statues are worshipped as Karna in some temples.
He passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 68, after battling cancer.
