Pankaj Dheer

 

Pankaj Dheer: The Man Who Became Karna

Pankaj Dheer (9 November 1956 – 15 October 2025) was an Indian actor and director whose long career in Hindi television and cinema made him a familiar face across generations. He is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, a role that brought him immense fame and enduring public affection. IANS News+6Wikipedia+6The Indian Express+6

Early Life and Beginnings

Born in Punjab, India, on 9 November 1956, Pankaj Dheer was drawn to the world of cinema and storytelling from an early age. The Times of India+6IMDb+6Wikipedia+6 His father, C. L. Dheer, was a film director, which likely influenced Pankaj’s early interest in filmmaking. The Times of India+5StarsUnfolded+5The Indian Express+5

He initially aspired to be a director, but circumstances and opportunities led him into acting. StarsUnfolded+2The Indian Express+2 Over time, he also worked behind the scenes as an assistant director and writer in various projects. StarsUnfolded

Rise to Fame: Karna in Mahabharat

Pankaj Dheer’s career truly broke through when he was cast as Karna in B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, which aired in 1988. India Forums+10Wikipedia+10The Indian Express+10

His strong, dignified portrayal of Karna struck a chord with audiences. Over the years, his performance became so intertwined with the character that many viewers still associate him with Karna. Hindustan Times+5India Today+5The Times of India+5 In some instances, statues and temples honoring Karna are reported to include his likeness, and fans have held a near-worship attitude toward his interpretation. Hindustan Times+4India Today+4India Forums+4

Mahabharat was more than a show for him—it became a legacy. www.ndtv.com+5The Indian Express+5The Times of India+5

Diverse Work: Television, Film, and Direction

While Mahabharat remains his most celebrated role, Pankaj Dheer’s career spanned many shows and films. On television, he appeared in series like Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badho Bahu. www.ndtv.com+3Wikipedia+3The Times of India+3 In Chandrakanta, he played a fantasy-drama role as King Shivdutt. India Today+4The Economic Times+4Wikipedia+4

In Hindi cinema, his appearances were often in supporting or character roles. Some of his film credits include Sadak, Soldier, Baadshah, Taarzan: The Wonder Car, Sanam Bewafa, and Andaz. BookMyShow+7Wikipedia+7The Economic Times+7

Pankaj also stepped behind the camera: he directed the film My Father Godfather. India Today+1 Beyond that, he founded the Abhinay Acting Academy to mentor and train aspiring actors. India Today+1

Later in his career, he continued to take on character roles in newer TV shows. For instance, as of 2024 he had been cast as a disciplined father in the show Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare. Instagram+3The Times of India+3The Times of India+3

Personal Life

Pankaj Dheer was married to Anita Dheer. India Today+5IMDb+5Wikipedia+5 Their son, Nikitin Dheer, followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor. The Times of India+6Wikipedia+6IMDb+6 Nikitin is married to Kratika Sengar. Wikipedia+2The Times of India+2

Pankaj had also publicly shared that at one time, his family faced financial hardships after a promise made by his father connected to actress Geeta Bali’s deathbed wish. The Times of India+2The Indian Express+2 He said these challenges pushed him early into the workforce to support his family. The Indian Express+2The Times of India+2

Final Years and Passing

In 2025, Pankaj Dheer’s health deteriorated as he battled cancer. Reports suggest that he had previously battled cancer, underwent significant surgery, and then experienced a relapse in recent months. IANS News+6Moneycontrol+6India Today+6 By March 2025, he was admitted to an ICU due to his critical condition. IWMBuzz+2Moneycontrol+2

On 15 October 2025, Pankaj Dheer passed away at the age of 68 in Mumbai after his prolonged fight with cancer. mint+6Wikipedia+6India Today+6 The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) confirmed his demise and noted that he had once served as its Chairman and General Secretary. India Today+2News on Air+2

His cremation took place later that day in Vile Parle, Mumbai. The Times of India+3India Today+3www.ndtv.com+3 Many celebrities from the film and television industries attended to pay their last respects. Navbharat Times+3www.ndtv.com+3The Times of India+3

Legacy

Pankaj Dheer’s legacy is tied deeply to his portrayal of Karna—a character steeped in complexity, heroism, tragedy, and moral ambiguity. Through his fearless embrace of that role, he left a mark on Indian television history. His commitment to acting and mentoring through his academy underscores his passion for the craft beyond his personal success.

Even after his passing, many will remember him not just as “Karna of Mahabharat,” but as a versatile artist who touched numerous lives through his roles, teaching, and personal warmth.

If you like, I can also prepare a detailed filmography of Pankaj Dheer or highlight his most memorable roles. Would you like that?