Mahabharat Star Pankaj Dheer, Who Played Karna, Dies At 68 Of Cancer
Updated on: 15 October, 2025 03:31 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Mahabharat actor Pankaj Dheer passes away
It seems 2025 is bringing a lot of weird news as it is passing by. Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who became a household name for playing Karna in Mahabharat, passes away after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 68 years old when he breathed his last.
His old friend and CINTAA member Amit Behl confirmed the heartbreaking news. Dheer passed away on October 15. He had been suffering from cancer for quite some time and had also undergone major surgery.
Unfortunately, the deadly disease relapsed a few months ago, and he couldn`t survive this time.
Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) shared an official statement on Wednesday and confirmed the news of Pankaj`s passing. The statement read, "With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA`s former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai."
Though Pankaj Dheer became extremely popular after his stint as Karna in Mahabharat, he also went on to do TV shows like Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka. He also played a crucial supporting role in movies like Baadshah and Sanam Bewafa.
In an old interview with India Forums, the late actor addressed how his role in the Hindu mythology drama became insanely popular, so much so that he found statues and temples of himself, where he`s referred to as the great warrior.
"People have loved me and adored me over the years. Even in the history books of schools, if they have a reference to Karna, they have my picture there. So, as long as these books are printed in school, I will always be their reference as Karna," he had said.
He had also revealed, "I also have two temples where there is Puja done every day. I am worshipped there in Karna Mandir. I have been to those temples. One is in Karnal, and one is in Bastar. There is an eight-foot-tall statue of mine, and people come there and worship it. When I go there, people love me from the bottom of their hearts. This goes to show that they have accepted me as Karna. This becomes very difficult for others to play that role again."
For the uninitiated, the Chennai Express actor Nikitin Dheer is Pankaj Dheer`s son. He is also survived by his wife, Anita Dheer.
Radio City extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, legend.
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