Actor Pankaj Dheer, known for his role of Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharata, died on October 15, 2025. He has been suffering from Cancer for some time. The news was confirmed by his old friend, colleague and CINTAA member Amil Behl.
According to resources, he fought from the diseases but it relapsed a few month ago, which left her unwell. He also undergone major surgery related condition.
Cine & TV Artistes’ Association has released a statement that confirms the news. The post stated, “#CINTAA & #CAWT mourn the loss of Shri Pankaj Dheer, former General Secretary of #CINTAA and former Chairman of #CAWT — a respected member of our fraternity whose invaluable contributions to Indian cinema and television will always be remembered.
Funeral today at 4:30 PM at Pawanhans Crematorium, Vile Parle (W). Om Shanti”
Pankaj Dheer Career
Pankaj Dheer Acting career has begun with the film Poonam released on 1981. gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Karna in B. R. Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat. His depiction became so influential that his images were used as references for Karna in textbooks, and his statues are worshipped as Karna in temples in Karnal and Bastar.
He made his television debut in the lead role in the episode Dastak of the Zee Horror Show (1993), alongside Archana Puran Singh. He also played the role of a defence lawyer in the courtroom drama series Kanoon.
In 2006, Dheer, along with his brother Satluj Dheer, founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio located in Jogeshwari, Mumbai. Later in 2010, he launched the Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai, with actor Gufi Paintal serving as the faculty head.
Personal Life
Pankaj Dheer has one Son, who is also an actor named Nikitin, who is known for his roles in films like Chennai Express, Jodhaa Akbar etc. His daughter-in-law is also an TV actress Kratika Sengar.
