Pankaj Dheer: The End Of An Epic Era
Few faces in Indian television have carried the weight of heroism and grace quite like Pankaj Dheer. For millions who grew up in the late 1980s and 1990s, he wasn’t just another actor; he was Karna, the tragic hero of B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, whose nobility, anguish, and moral conflict resonated far beyond the television screen.
Dheer’s commanding screen presence, classic dialogue delivery, and majestic bearing made him one of the most memorable actors of the Doordarshan era — a performer who bridged the gap between mythology and mainstream entertainment.
Born on November 9, 1956, in Punjab, Pankaj Dheer began his acting journey in the early 1980s with small yet striking roles in films like Poonam and Sookha. But it was in 1988, with Mahabharat, that his destiny changed forever.
His portrayal of Karna not only brought him nationwide fame but also carved his image into India’s collective cultural memory. His likeness was so deeply associated with the character that in many regions, especially Karnal and Bastar, temples even displayed his photos as representations of Karna.
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After his legendary turn as Karna, Dheer continued to redefine himself. In the 1990s, he played the regal and ruthless Raja Shivdutt in Chandrakanta, another landmark television series that blended fantasy with folklore.
His performances in The Great Maratha, Yug, and Kanoon further showcased his versatility — moving seamlessly between historical figures, courtroom dramas, and larger-than-life mythological icons.
Parallel to his television success, Dheer built a rich filmography in Bollywood. He appeared in more than 40 films, including cult hits like Sadak (1991), Sanam Bewafa (1991), Soldier (1998), Baadshah (1999), Andaaz (2003), and Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004). Known for his authoritative presence, he often played figures of power — officers, fathers, and kings — characters who exuded both command and compassion.
I have lost a very dear friend today and am totally devastated. Pankaj Dheer, always so affectionate, enthusiastic about everything, a talented actor who won audience hearts with his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat, so full of life, has breathed his last. He passed away after a… pic.twitter.com/8DC51AT6uS
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) October 15, 2025
Beyond acting, Dheer made significant contributions to nurturing new talent. In 2006, he co-founded Visage Studioz in Mumbai with his brother Satluj Dheer, creating a professional space for film and television production.
Later, in 2010, he launched the Abbhinnay Acting Academy, an institution dedicated to training aspiring actors, with his long-time friend Gufi Paintal as faculty head. His directorial debut, My Father Godfather (2014), was a heartfelt attempt to explore human relationships and artistic struggle.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Dheer made a strong return to television with shows like Teen Bahuraaniyaan, Sasural Simar Ka, Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev, and Badho Bahu, where he played layered, dignified characters. His ability to adapt to the evolving language of TV storytelling — from mythological sagas to daily soaps — demonstrated both his humility and professionalism.
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Dheer’s legacy continues through his son, Nikitin Dheer, known for his roles in Chennai Express, Shershaah, and several TV series, and his daughter-in-law, Kratika Sengar, a popular television actress. Together, they represent a lineage deeply intertwined with Indian screen history — a family devoted to the art of performance.
More than a performer, Pankaj Dheer embodied an era, the golden bridge between India’s mythic past and its modern television storytelling. His Karna wasn’t just a role; it was an emotion, a reminder of how myth and morality coexist in the Indian imagination.
Even after his passing in October 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer, Dheer’s legacy remains etched in the nation’s memory. Every rerun of Mahabharat, every nostalgic conversation about Chandrakanta, and every aspiring actor walking into an acting class owes a quiet nod to the man who made epic storytelling feel real.
