Pankaj Dheer
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Remembering Pankaj Dheer, a name etched in the hearts of millions. Born November 9, 1956, and passing on October 15, 2025, he was an Indian actor whose presence graced both Hindi cinema and television. His portrayal of Karna in the iconic television series Mahabharat wasn't just a role; it was a phenomenon that made him a household name. He also captivated audiences in Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badho Bahu. While he graced numerous Hindi films in smaller, memorable parts like Sadak, Soldier, Baadshah, and Taarzan: The Wonder Car, his television journey truly defined his legacy.
Dheer's on-screen journey began with the film Poonam, a modest start that soon gave way to greater things. After appearing in several smaller films, his big break arrived with B.R. Chopra's epic television series, Mahabharat, where he embodied the legendary Karna. This role became the absolute highlight of his career, catapulting him to widespread recognition across India. His image as Karna was so powerful that it was used in textbooks and even inspired statues worshipped in temples in Karnal and Bastar.
He also took center stage in the debut episode of Zee Horror Show's Dastak in 1993, alongside Archana Puran Singh. Further showcasing his versatility, he played the lead role of a defense lawyer in the courtroom drama series, Kanoon.
Beyond his acting prowess, Pankaj Dheer was also a visionary. In 2006, he co-established Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Mumbai with his brother Satluj Dheer. In 2010, he further contributed to the industry by opening the Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai, with the esteemed actor Gufi Paintal heading the faculty.
In his personal life, Pankaj Dheer was the proud father of Nikitin Dheer, who has also carved a successful path as an actor, married to actress Kratika Sengar.
Pankaj Dheer's battle with cancer concluded on October 15, 2025, at the age of 68, leaving behind a rich tapestry of work and a lasting impact on Indian entertainment.
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Pankaj Dheer (9 November 1956 – 15 October 2025) was an Indian actor who appeared in Hindi films and television. He was known for his role of Karna in television series Mahabharat and other roles in Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug and Badho Bahu. He appeared in several Hindi films in small roles, including Sadak, Soldier, Baadshah and Taarzan: The Wonder Car.
== Career ==
Dheer began his on-screen career in the film Poonam, which did poorly at the box office. He then played roles in several small films, until he got his big break, appearing in B. R. Chopra's epic television series Mahabharat, as Karna.
The role of Karna was the highlight of Dheer's career and made him a household name in India. His pictures were used in textbooks as reference to Karna and his statues are worshipped as Karna in temples in Karnal and Bastar.
He appeared as the lead in debut episode Dastak, TV series, Zee Horror Show (1993), along with Archana Puran Singh. He also played the lead as a defence lawyer in the TV Series Kanoon, a series based on court-room dramas.
In 2006 Dheer established a shooting studio, Visage Studioz along with his brother Satluj Dheer at Jogeshwari, Mumbai. In 2010, he opened Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai, with actor Gufi Paintal as the faculty head.
== Personal life and death ==
Dheer had a son, Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor. Nikitin is married to actress Kratika Sengar.
Pankaj Dheer died from cancer on 15 October 2025, at the age of 68.
== Filmography ==
=== As director ===
=== As actor ===
==== Films ====
==== Television ====
== References ==
== External links ==
Pankaj Dheer at IMDb
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