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He never played a character. He never appeared on screen. He just opened his mouth, and suddenly, a cartoon world felt completely real. That was the quiet magic of Peabo Bryson.
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic role as Karna in BR Chopra’s epic ‘Mahabharat’, passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. His close friend and producer Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news to the media, saying, “He passed away due to cancer this morning. He had been in and out of the hospital over the past few months.”
The cremation will be held later today.
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Pankaj Dheer was a familiar face in Hindi television and films, with a career spanning decades. He gained nationwide fame for portraying Karna, but that was not all. He also won hearts with roles such as King Shiv Dutt in ‘Chandrakanta’.
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Actor Pankaj Dheer, renowned for ‘Mahabharat’ and ‘Chandrakanta,’ passes away at 68 after cancer battle. #PankajDheer #RIP #PankajDheerPassedAway #Mahabharat #Chandrakanta #breakingnews #TheStatesman pic.x.com/vjDKVTi3wq
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) October 15, 2025
Over all these years, he appeared in several TV series as well. These included ‘The Great Maratha’, ‘Yug’, and ‘Badho Bahu’. His film appearances though mostly in supporting roles included notable movies like ‘Sadak’, ‘Soldier’, and ‘Baadshah’.
Dheer’s portrayal of Karna in ‘Mahabharat’ became so legendary that his photographs were later used in school textbooks as references for Karna.
In some regions including Karnal and Bastar, his statues are even worshipped in temples dedicated to Karna.
Also Read: Raju Talikote passes away at 62: Kannada cinema mourns a comedy legend
Pankaj was born into a family with strong roots in the entertainment world. Now his legacy continues through his son Nikitin Dheer. He is also a well-known actor.
In addition to acting, Pankaj Dheer made some important contributions behind the camera. In 2006, he co-founded Visage Studioz in Jogeshwari, Mumbai, alongside his brother Satluj Dheer. The studio provides a space for creative talent to flourish.
Four years later, he launched the Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai.
Television audiences also remember his lead roles in popular series such as ‘Dastak’, the debut episode of ‘Zee Horror Show’ in 1993 alongside Archana Puran Singh, and as a defense lawyer in the courtroom drama series ‘Kanoon’.
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