The Indian entertainment industry has lost yet another shining star. Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, fondly remembered as the valiant Karna from B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai on October 15 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 68. His passing marks the end of an era, one that celebrated depth, dignity, and grace in Indian television acting.
A Fond Farewell From a Lifelong Buddy
Among those shaken the most by his death was actress and politician Hema Malini, who posted an emotional note on X (formerly Twitter). The veteran actress and politician penned,
“I have lost a very dear friend today and am totally devastated. Pankaj Dheer, always so affectionate and enthusiastic about everything, a talented actor who won audience hearts with his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat and was so full of life, has breathed his last. He passed away after a spunky fight with cancer, which he was determined to overcome.”
Her message captured the essence of the man Pankaj Dheer was: spirited, kind, and endlessly positive, even in the face of adversity. Hema Malini also remembered his unflinching support during their years of friendship:
“Whatever I did, he always supported me, and he was always there with me whenever I needed him. I will miss his constant presence and support throughout my life. My heart is filled with anguish for his loving wife, Anita ji, who was his sunshine.”
Her words echo the gap left by a man who touched hearts on-screen but also created deep, real connections off-screen.
Esha Deol’s Emotional Tribute
Actress Esha Deol, who grew up knowing Pankaj Dheer as “Pankaj uncle,” also penned a touching note on Instagram.
“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Uncle Pankaj. A dear family friend & a wonderful human being, always full of joy. Will miss you & those fun conversations we had followed by your laughter. May your soul rest in peace. Deepest condolences, Aunty, to @niketan.dheer.5 & the family. Om Shanti.”
Her tribute provides another depth of warmth to Dheer’s legacy, one that was not limited to his work life but also to relationships in private life that were full of love and respect.
A Final Farewell
Pankaj Dheer’s funeral rites were conducted at Vile Parle, Mumbai, on Wednesday evening. The air was heavy with sorrow as friends, colleagues, and fans gathered to pay their last respects.
Among those who attended to pay their respects to him were Salman Khan, Hema Malini, Kushal Tandon, Mukesh Rishi, Sidharth Malhotra, Dipika Kakar, and Shoaib Ibrahim. Their attendance was a reflection of just how much Dheer was loved and respected across industry generations.
He leaves behind his wife, Anita Dheer; son, Nikitin Dheer; and daughter-in-law, Kratika Sengar, all of whom take after him in passion, self-motivation, and creativity.
A Legacy Founded On Talent And Determination
Pankaj Dheer, born in Punjab, came from a filmmaking family; his dad, C.L. Dheer, was a famous filmmaker and had directed not only one but two classics, Bahu Beti and Zindagi. It was almost fate that Pankaj was destined to make it big in the entertainment world.
He started working in the 1980s, grabbing tiny roles in movies, silently studying and observing the details of acting. But fate had something monumental planned for him. His life took a dramatic turn when he was hired as Karna in Mahabharat, one of Indian television’s greatest epics.
Dheer’s Karna is still imprinted on Indian viewers’ collective psyche. He added depth and dignity to a man caught between duty and fate to become one of the earliest and most popular anti-heroes in television history. Despite being decades old, audience members remember his authoritative persona, deep voice, and expressive eyes to flawlessly convey Karna’s inner turmoil.
Dheer later on, after Mahabharat, took the crowd by storm with a range of roles that he performed. He acted as King Shivdutt in Chandrakanta (1994), another role that afforded him the chance to express strength and weakness. His ability to breathe life into even the most unreal characters, making their emotions feel genuine and relatable, truly set him apart from the rest.
The Final Curtain
Pankaj Dheer was not an actor; he was a teller of stories in the most real sense, a man who lived each role with integrity. Off-screen, he was a true friend, a wise mentor, and a warrior who battled each fight, both on and off screen, with unassuming valor. His path, from his early days in Punjab to being one of the best-known faces on television, says a lot about his talent and integrity.
With tributes still pouring in from the public as well as his peers, there is one thing certain: his legacy will live on. His performance on-screen as Karna, his humility off-screen, and his courage in the wake of disease will serve as a source of inspiration for many years to come.
RIP Pankaj Dheer. Your light will live on in all the tales you’ve created and in all the hearts that you’ve touched.