Veteran Actor Pankaj Dheer Dies at 68 After Battle with Cancer
Mumbai, October 15, 2025. In a sad moment for Indian television and cinema, veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passed away today in Mumbai at the age of 68 after a long struggle with cancer. This news has deeply shocked fans, colleagues, and the entertainment community.
Confirmation and Funeral Arrangements
The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) confirmed his death in a statement, mentioning that Dheer had previously served as the Chairman of its trust and held the position of Hon. General Secretary. His cremation will take place today at 4:30 PM near Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai.
Many industry figures, including Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Jaya Bhattacharya, and numerous television personalities, attended to pay their last respects. Co-stars from his iconic Mahabharat days, such as Feroz Khan (who played Arjun), shared emotional tributes and remembered Dheer’s kind spirit.
At the funeral, television artists Dipika Kakkar and her husband Shoaib Ibrahim were seen in tears, reflecting on their time working with Dheer on serials like Sasural Simar Ka.
The Man Behind the Iconic Karna
Pankaj Dheer is best known for his role as Karna in B. R. Chopra’s famous television series Mahabharat (1988). This role made him a household name and left a lasting impact on popular culture.
In later years, Dheer often remarked how audiences still identified him as Karna, even decades after the show ended. In interviews, he noted that some textbook publishers used his image to represent Karna in academic materials and that statues created in Karna’s honor were modeled after his on-screen appearance.
However, his career included much more than that iconic role. Over the years, Dheer acted in films such as Baadshah, Zameen, Sadak, Soldier, and Tarzan: The Wonder Car. He also starred in many television dramas, including Chandrakanta, Kanoon, Sasural Simar Ka, and Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat.
Beyond acting, he was a businessman; he co-founded Visage Studioz in Mumbai and later established the Abbhinnay Acting Academy with Gufi Paintal.
Battle with Cancer & Final Days
Sources report that Dheer had been fighting cancer for some time, undergoing treatments and surgery. Sadly, the disease returned in recent months, resulting in multiple hospital visits.
Just hours before his death, his son Nikitin Dheer shared a thoughtful post:
“Whatever comes, let it come. Whatever stays, let it stay. Whatever goes, let it go. As a Shiva Bhakt, say ‘Shivarpanam’ and move on! He’ll take care!”
His words resonated as a touching message to those helplessly watching the veteran actor fade away.
Colleagues and friends described him as stoic in his battle. He never sought undue attention but remained dedicated to his craft.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Pankaj Dheer’s death sparked a wave of tributes across social media. Actors, directors, and fans remembered him as a reliable professional, kind person, and a pillar of television’s golden age.
Hema Malini, in a heartfelt note, grieved the loss of a “dear friend,” praising his support and humility over the years. Feroz Khan shared a moving video montage of moments with Dheer, captioned “Will miss you always, Pankaj.”
Netizens recalled how deeply viewers connected with his portrayal of Karna. When the character died in Mahabharat, many fans reportedly mourned as if it were a real loss. Many also highlighted Dheer’s resilience; he previously survived cancer, but it returned.
Legacy and Final Thoughts
With Pankaj Dheer’s passing, India loses not only a talented artist but also a symbol of integrity, commitment, and powerful storytelling. His portrayal of Karna will remain timeless, serving as an inspiration for generations of actors aiming to take on complex, morally rich roles.
His contributions on stage, screen, and through mentorship will continue to shape upcoming actors and filmmakers. His studio and acting academy stand as part of that legacy, reflecting his belief in nurturing new talent.
For fans old and new, the news of Pankaj Dheer’s death marks the end of an era. Yet, as his life shows us, legends never really die. They live on in memories, stories, and the characters they leave behind.
(This report is based on available media sources as of October 15, 2025. Any later updates or statements from family or official channels can be added later.)
