Mahabharat’s Karna, Pankaj Dheer, Passes Away: End of an Era

Renowned actor Pankaj Dheer, who played the iconic role of Karna in the legendary TV series Mahabharat, has passed away. His demise has plunged the entire nation into mourning. Pankaj Dheer was the face of Karna for millions; whenever Karna was mentioned in books, it was his image that appeared in people’s minds.

Mahabharat was not just a television show; it became a part of the emotions and history of India. Every character found a place in viewers’ hearts, but Karna was always held in special esteem. Pankaj Dheer didn’t just portray Karna—he lived the character. When news of his passing broke, everyone remembered his powerful presence, standing in the glow of sunset, battling Arjun.

Born on November 9, 1956, Pankaj Dheer was the son of film director C.L. Dheer. Despite growing up in a film-centric environment, he achieved everything through his own hard work. He struggled in the early days, facing many rejections before finally making his mark in acting through theatre.

The turning point came when B.R. Chopra decided to make Mahabharat. At that time, thousands of actors auditioned for various roles in Mumbai. Initially, Pankaj Dheer was offered the role of Arjun, but he refused to shave his mustache, saying it was part of his identity. As a result, he lost the role of Arjun, but fate intervened, and he was soon offered the role of Karna. When he first donned Karna’s costume, everyone on set felt as though the real Karna had come to life.

Pankaj Dheer immersed himself in the character, studying Mahabharat for hours and rehearsing every dialogue repeatedly. He spoke less during shooting, wanting to truly feel Karna’s loneliness and pain. Whether it was his battle with Arjun or his friendship with Duryodhan, he gave his all in every scene.

After Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer became a superstar overnight. People would stop him on the streets to greet him, women sent him rakhis, and children saw him as a deity. However, his journey was not without challenges. He went on to play supporting and negative roles in many films, working alongside stars like Sridevi and Akshay Kumar. Yet, he was always remembered as Karna.

Pankaj Dheer also launched his son Nikitin Dheer into films, who gained fame for his role as Tangabali in Chennai Express. In his later years, Pankaj Dheer distanced himself from movies and preferred living at his farmhouse, enjoying nature and peace. He named his farmhouse “Suryok,” always associating himself with Surya’s son, Karna.

A few years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. After treatment, his condition improved temporarily, but the illness returned. On the morning of October 15, 2025, he breathed his last. His passing left his Mahabharat co-stars speechless. Pankaj Dheer was not just an actor; he was the symbol of an era when TV serials created history and characters became gods.

His net worth was estimated to be around 25-30 crore INR, but if respect and love were measured as wealth, he was a billionaire. He worked in numerous films, advertisements, and TV shows, always maintaining a simple lifestyle. He believed true wealth was internal and donated generously to children’s education and NGOs.

His last wish was to have some of his ashes placed under a tree at his farmhouse, which he had planted himself. Nikitin fulfilled this wish, saying his father was now where he was happiest. Pankaj Dheer leaves behind a legacy as pure as a temple, reminding everyone that a true person is remembered for their deeds and work.

If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and subscribe for more such stories.