Actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic role as the warrior Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, passed away on October 15. The news was confirmed by his longtime friend, colleague, and CINTAA member Amit Behl to India Today. Sources revealed that Dheer had been battling cancer for a while. Although he initially overcame the illness, it relapsed a few months ago, severely affecting his health. He had also undergone significant surgery due to the condition.
An official statement from the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) was released on Wednesday, confirming his death: "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."
Dheer also appeared in several films like Sanam Bewafa, Baadshah, and TV shows including Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka. He ventured into directing and made a film titled My Father Godfather. Additionally, he founded the Abhinay Acting Academy.
In a previous interview with India Forums, Dheer reminisced about the admiration his portrayal of Karna received from audiences. He shared that statues had been made in his likeness, and temples had been constructed where he is revered as the great warrior Karna.
"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 expressed.
Dheer 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-feet-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."
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and his son, actor Nikitin Dheer.