Pankaj Dheer, Karna of Mahabharat, dies at 68 after cancer battle

Mumbai — Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra's television adaptation of the Mahabharat, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. He was 68. The Cine TV Artistes Association confirmed his death and said Dheer had been battling cancer for several years.

Friends and colleagues said Dheer's cancer relapsed a few months ago after a period of recovery and that he had undergone major surgery. Actor Amit Behl and producer Ashoke Pandit, both long-time acquaintances, confirmed he had been in and out of hospital in recent months. The CINE TV ARTISTES ASSOCIATION released a statement saying, "With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing away of our Trust's erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA's former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025." The association said the cremation was held the same day at 4:30 p.m. beside Pawan Hans in Vile Parle, Mumbai.

Dheer began his career in the 1980s and rose to national prominence when he was cast as Karna in the landmark 1988 television adaptation of the Mahabharat. That role defined his public image and remained closely associated with him for decades. He went on to...