Pankaj Dheer, a veteran television actor best known for his impactful role as Karna in BR Chopra’s legendary TV series Mahabharat, has died following a battle with cancer. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) confirmed his passing. In their official statement, CINTAA expressed profound sadness and announced that his cremation will occur on October 15, 2025, at 4:30 pm near Pawan Hans in Vile Parle (West), Mumbai. Dheer was a highly respected figure in the television industry throughout his career. In a previous interview, he reminisced about the difficulties faced while filming Mahabharat, including working under harsh conditions without vanity vans, sharing a single toilet with many others, and wearing heavy metal costumes.
He recounted a near-miss injury during a perilous chariot scene and a surgery needed after an arrow struck near his eye. Pankaj Dheer is survived by his son, actor Nikitin Dheer. Tributes from fans and colleagues in the industry have flooded social media, honoring his legacy in Indian television and cinema.