Introduction
Pankaj Dheer built a distinguished career from early film and television roles to becoming one of India’s iconic faces in mythological drama. He earned enduring fame for his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat and nurtured a legacy through mentoring and a studio. Tragically, he succumbed to cancer on 15th October 2025, and his death triggered outpourings of grief across the industry and among fans.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pankaj Dheer |
| Date of Birth | 9 November 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Date of Death | 15 October 2025 |
| Age at Death | 68 years |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1983 – 2025 |
| Famous Role | Karna in Mahabharat (1988–1990) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Build | Sturdy, broad-shouldered physique |
| Hair Color | Black (later salt-and-pepper with age) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Notable Features | Charismatic screen presence, strong jawline, and regal demeanor |
Family Background
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | C.L. Dheer (Noted film director and producer in the Hindi film industry) |
| Mother | Name not widely public; known to be a homemaker |
| Siblings | Information not publicly available |
| Spouse | Anita Dheer
|
| Children | Son – Nikitin Dheer (Actor); Daughter – Name not publicly disclosed |
Pankaj Dheer belonged to a respected film family with deep roots in the Hindi film industry. His father, C.L. Dheer, was a renowned film director and producer, which exposed Pankaj to the world of cinema from a young age. His mother maintained a low public profile, focusing on family life. Pankaj married Ankita Dheer, and together they raised their children in a creative and culturally enriched environment. Their son Nikitin Dheer followed in his footsteps to become a successful actor in Bollywood, while their daughter has largely stayed away from the limelight.
Education
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Formal Schooling / College | Not publicly documented in main sources (as of now) |
| Training / Institutions | Not clearly documented; his major reputation rests on acting and television work rather than formal educational profiles. |
Career + Career Timeline
| Year / Period | Milestone / Role |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Made his acting debut with the film Sookha. |
| Late 1980s (1988) | Cast as Karna in B.R. Chopra’s iconic TV series Mahabharat after initially being considered for Arjun’s role. |
| Early 1990s | Acted in several films including Sadak, Sanam Bewafa, and Mr. Bond (1992). |
| 1993 | Featured in Zee Horror Show (episode: Dastak). |
| 1990s | Appeared in popular TV serials such as Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Kanoon, and Harischandra. |
| 2003 | Played Mr. Dhariwal in the film Om. |
| 2000s (early) | Appeared in films like Baadshah, Soldier, and Taarzan – The Wonder Car. |
| Undated | Acted in the sitcom Papad Pol on SAB TV, portraying a businessman. |
| 2006 | Co-founded Visage Studioz in Mumbai. |
| 2010 | Launched the Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai to train aspiring actors. |
| 2014 | Directed the film My Father Godfather. |
| Throughout Career | Declined offers to reprise Karna in newer Mahabharat adaptations to preserve the legacy of his original portrayal. |
Over decades, Pankaj Dheer transitioned between mythological, historical, fantasy, and contemporary roles, always maintaining a commanding screen presence. His portrayal of Karna earned him lasting legacy, and he also branched into entrepreneurship and acting education. He influenced many as an actor and mentor.
Controversies
Pankaj Dheer’s public image remained relatively free of scandal, with media coverage focusing on his craft, legacy, and recent passing rather than controversy.
Personal Life
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Anita Dheer (costume designer) |
| Children | Son: Nikitin Dheer Daughter-In-Law: Kratika Sengar
|
| Residences | Based in Mumbai (for work), along with ties to his home region in Punjab (birthplace) |
| Lifestyle | In later years, he engaged in training younger actors via his acting academy and stayed deeply connected with television and mythological roles. |
While Pankaj kept much of his private life discreet, his professional and familial life were intertwined. He supported his son’s acting career, ran studios and an academy, and remained respected across industry circles.
Favourites
| Category | Favorite / Preference |
|---|---|
| Food | Rajma-Chawal |
| Colour | Green |
| Travel Destination | New York |
Net Worth
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $6 Million (approx.) |
| Primary Sources | Acting career, film direction, production, brand endorsements, and acting academy ventures |
| Currency | USD |
| Financial Standing | Considered financially well-established due to a long and diverse entertainment career |
Lesser-Known Facts
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His image as Karna became so iconic that his photos reportedly appeared in school textbooks when mentioning the character Karna.
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Some temples in Karnal and Bastar are said to display statues modeled on his Karna portrayal, indicating his enduring cultural identification with the role.
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He declined offers to act in subsequent adaptations of Mahabharat, saying he did not want to confuse fans who associated him strongly with Karna.
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He established Visage Studioz and Abhinay Acting Academy to give back to the acting community and mentor newcomers.
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He kept a dignified, low-controversy public persona, and even when battling illness, he remained active in creative circles. Recent reports mention that in his final days, social media tributes from fans and colleagues poured in.
Key Takeaways
| Pankaj Dheer earned national fame through his portrayal of Karna in the television epic *Mahabharat*, which remains his most iconic role. |
| He built a long career across television and film, and later established a studio and acting academy to mentor talent. |
| His image merged with mythology—his Karna photos appeared in textbooks, and some fans worshipped his portrayal symbolically. |
| He passed away on 15 October 2025 after battling cancer; his funeral in Mumbai drew major industry figures and emotional tributes. |
| Close friends, co-stars, and fans across India expressed grief and respect, highlighting his influence beyond just acting. |
Social Media Handles
| Platform | Handle / Link |
|---|---|
| @pankajdheer999 | |
| Pankaj Dheer |
Latest News
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News outlets today confirmed that veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passed away on 15 October 2025 in Mumbai after battling cancer.
-
His funeral was held same day at Pawan Hans Crematorium, Santacruz (West), Mumbai at 4:30 PM, attended by Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, other film/TV colleagues, and many grieving fans.
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Leading actors and industry figures paid emotional tributes; social media flooded with condolences and reflections on his legacy.
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Just hours before veteran actor Pankaj Dheer’s passing on October 15, 2025, his son, actor Nikitin Dheer, shared a reflective post on Instagram that has since gone viral. The post featured a serene image of Lord Shiva and included the message:
“Whatever comes, let it come. Whatever stays, let it stay. Whatever goes, let it go. As a Shiva Bhakt, say ‘Shivarpanam’ and move on! He’ll take care. Very hard to do.”
Death & Funeral
On 15 October 2025, Pankaj Dheer died in Mumbai due to complications from cancer, at the age of 68.
“With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of … Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, … on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm at Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.”
His final rites began at Pawan Hans Crematorium, Santacruz (West), Mumbai, at about 4:30 PM, attended by major stars including Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, filmmaker colleagues, Mahabharat cast members, and many fans. Salman Khan was seen hugging the grieving family and embracing Nikitin Dheer.
View this post on Instagram
Fans flooded social media with messages like “It’s heartbreaking … his portrayal of Karna is unforgettable,” and members of CINTAA, co-actors, and colleagues expressed shock and sorrow at losing such a towering presence. The loss deeply resonated in the television and mythological drama community, who remembered his dignity, discipline, and mentorship. The Bollywood industry was left in shock once again following the passing of Pankaj Dheer, just months after the untimely demise of Zubeen Garg, who had captivated audiences with his musical genius.
Conclusion
Pankaj Dheer stands among Indian television legends due to his unforgettable portrayal of Karna and his decades of contribution to film and TV. He mentored actors, built institutions, and remained deeply tied to mythological storytelling. His death in October 2025 left a void that fans, colleagues, and admirers felt immediately. Punjab mourned yet another loss when it bid farewell to Pankaj Dheer, adding to the grief after the recent passing of Rajvir Jawanda, another beloved son of the region.” Ultimately, his legacy transcends roles: he became the face of devotion, discipline, and dramatic integrity in Indian entertainment.
FAQs
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Who was Pankaj Dheer?
Pankaj Dheer was an Indian film and television actor best known for playing Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat. -
When did Pankaj Dheer pass away?
He passed away on 15 October 2025 in Mumbai, after battling cancer. -
What was his signature role?
His signature role was Karna in the 1988 Mahabharat TV series, which defined much of his legacy. -
Does Pankaj Dheer have children in the industry?
Yes, his son Nikitin Dheer is a film and television actor. Nikitin is married to actress Kratika Sengar. -
What other contributions did Pankaj Dheer make beyond acting?
He co-founded Visage Studioz (a studio) and Abhinay Acting Academy to train aspiring actors, thereby extending his influence beyond his own roles. -
What was the cause of Pankaj Dheer’s death?
He died after a prolonged battle with cancer. -
How old was Pankaj Dheer when he died?
He was 68 years old (born 9 November 1956, died 15 October 2025). -
What was Pankaj Dheer’s most famous role?
His most iconic role was Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat. -
Was Pankaj Dheer initially offered another role in Mahabharat before Karna?
Yes — he was reportedly offered the role of Arjuna, but conflicts (like refusing to shave his moustache) led to him being dropped and later cast as Karna. -
Did Pankaj Dheer suffer any accidents while filming Mahabharat?
Yes — he nearly went blind when an arrow struck close to his eye on set, and in another incident, his fingers were reportedly broken during a fight scene. -
What was Pankaj Dheer’s last appearance / final days?
He had a vlog appearance on Farah Khan’s YouTube channel shortly before his death.
