Pankaj Dheer, the beloved actor renowned for his portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s iconic 1988 television series Mahabharat, has passed away at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. His contributions to Indian television and film have left a lasting legacy that will be remembered by fans and peers alike.
In a revealing interview with Lehren Retro, Dheer recounted the moment he almost missed out on playing Arjun in Mahabharat. He shared that he had initially declined the role due to a requirement to shave his moustache for the character of Brihannala, Arjun’s eunuch alter-ego. Despite being favored by the show’s creative panel, including dialogue writer Rahi Masoom Raza, Dheer boldly resisted the change, which reportedly infuriated B.R. Chopra.
For six months, Dheer was left in limbo after his refusal. However, in what he described as a stroke of destiny, he received a follow-up call from B.R. Chopra inviting him back to discuss another opportunity. This led to the pivotal role of Karna, which ultimately became a hallmark of his career. Dheer humorously recalled his response to Chopra’s offer: “Sir, mooch toh kaatni nahi padhegi?” to which Chopra reassured him, leading to Dheer’s enthusiastic acceptance.
Beyond Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer had a diverse acting career, featuring in notable TV serials such as Chandrakanta, Badho Bahu, and the horror anthology Zee Horror Show. He also appeared in films including Soldier, Andaz, and Baadshah. Remarkably, his legacy continues through his family; his son, Nikitin Dheer, is a successful actor, and his daughter-in-law, Kratika Sengar, is known for her role in Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani.
Dheer’s final television role was in Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare (2024), with a later appearance in the web series Poison in 2019. His impact on the industry and fans will remain indelible, making his loss deeply felt.