Actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his role as Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, has passed away. Feroz Khan, who played Arjun in the same series, confirmed the news to Amar Ujala. Pankaj died on Wednesday (October 15) at 11:30 am. The exact cause of his death has not been revealed, leaving fans and colleagues in shock.
Pankaj Dheer Dies amid Cancer Battle, Friend Mourns Demise
The news has deeply affected the entertainment industry. Feroz Khan (a close friend and co-star) expressed his grief and said to Amar Ujala, “Haan, yeh sach hai ki ve ab is duniya mein nahi rahe. Vyaktigat roop se, maine ek bahut hi acche dost ko kho diya hai. Wah behad acche insaan the. Main abhi bhi sadme mein hoon aur mujhe nahi pata kya kehna chahiye. Wah vaastav mein ek adbhut vyakti the… Filhal main aur adhik kuch nahi keh sakta.”
About Pankaj Dheer’s Personal And Professional Life
Pankaj Dheer was born on November 9, 1956, in Punjab, India. He came from a family connected to films, as his father (CL Dheer) was a well-known director. He grew up in Mumbai and studied at St. Theresa’s High School and MMK College. Pankaj originally wanted to be a director, but acting came into his life unexpectedly when he got a role in the film Sookha. This was the start of a career that would make him a household name.
He was married to Anita Dheer, and they had two children. Their son, Nikitin Dheer, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful actor. Nikitin’s wife, Kratika Sengar, is also a famous television actress, and they have a daughter named Devika. Pankaj remained close to his family and supported his children in their careers.
Pankaj became widely known for playing Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988–1990). His performance earned him recognition and awards, including the Uptron Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He went on to act in popular TV shows like Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badho Bahu. He also appeared in films such as Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah, gaining praise for his strong supporting roles.
Besides acting, Pankaj made important contributions to the industry. In 2006, he co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai, with his brother Satluj Dheer. He later started the Abbhinnay Acting Academy in 2010 to train new actors. In his later years, he fought cancer with courage. Despite surgery, the illness returned, and he passed away on October 15, 2025.
