Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for portraying Karna in B.R. Chopra’s 1988 television epic Mahabharat, died in Mumbai on October 15, 2025, at age 68 after a battle with cancer. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) confirmed his passing and said last rites would be held this evening at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai. Reports through the afternoon noted the family had planned the cremation for Wednesday, aligning with statements from industry colleagues.
Dheer’s turn as Karna made him a household name, followed by prominent television roles in Chandrakanta and appearances in films including Soldier (1998) and Baadshah (1999). He is survived by his son, actor Nikitin Dheer, and daughter-in-law Kratika Sengar; colleagues described him as having been in and out of hospital in recent months due to illness. Obituaries highlighted his decades-long contribution to Indian screen entertainment and the enduring popularity of his Mahabharat character.
