Pankaj Dheer: The man who lived and breathed Karna

WEB DESK: Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, remembered by generations as Karna from B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday, October 15, after a battle with cancer. He was 68.

For millions who grew up watching Mahabharat every Sunday morning in the late ’80s, Dheer wasn’t just playing Karna, he was Karna. His calm dignity, restrained intensity, and quiet heroism transformed the tragic warrior into one of Indian television’s most revered characters. For those in the late 1990s, he was the villain from Baadshah.

The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) confirmed his passing, remembering him as “a guiding force, leader, and artist whose contribution to the industry will never be forgotten.” His cremation was held at Vile Parle, Mumbai.

Dheer’s son, actor Nikitin Dheer, known for Chennai Express and Sooryavanshi, posted a moving tribute: “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 — but very hard to do.”

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Though his acting career spanned decades and mediums, from Baadshah with Shah Rukh Khan and Tumko Na Bhool Payenge with Salman Khan, to popular TV serials like Sasural Simar Ka — Dheer always carried the weight of Karna with him. “Even in history books, if there’s a reference to Karna, my picture is used,” he once said. “It’s humbling to see that people have accepted me as him.”

Despite several offers to reprise the role in modern remakes, he declined. “I have played Karna, and that is it for me. I don’t want to confuse my fans,” he said, a reflection of both his integrity and deep connection with the character.

Tributes from across the industry poured in. Hema Malini remembered him as “a warm, affectionate man who faced illness with remarkable courage.” Arjun, who played Arjuna opposite him, wrote, “He was my onscreen rival, but offscreen, my dearest friend.”

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Salman Khan and others also attended the last rites of actor Pankaj Dheer.

Pankaj Dheer’s passing marks not just the loss of a veteran actor but of an era where myth met memory, where one man’s performance became part of India’s collective cultural imagination.