Mahabharat star Pankaj Dheer dies

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who had become a household name for his iconic role as Karna in BR Chopra’s epic TV series Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday, following his long battle with cancer. He was 68. He is survived by wife Anita Dheer, a costume designer, son Nikitin, daughter-in-law Kartika Sengar, both of whom are actors, and granddaughter Devika Dheer.

Actor Amit Behl, who had known Pankaj for over three decades, said: “He (Pankaj) was ailing about three years ago, but he had recovered. He was back to work. I spoke to him about four months ago, and he was sounding fine. But his death has come as a big shock. It’s really sad”.

Mourning the death of Pankaj Dheer, the Cine & TV Artistes Association and Cine Artistes Welfare Trust said: “CINTAA and CAWT mourn the loss of Pankaj Dheer, former General Secretary of CINTAA and former Chairman of CAWT, a respected member of the oil fraternity whose invaluable contributions to Indian cinema and television will always be remembered”

Through his much-acclaimed performance as Karna in the epic Mahabharat serial (1988), Pankaj Dheer touched the hearts of millions of people across the country. Known for his looks, strong screen presence and impeccable dialogue delivery, Pankaj Dheer was also known for his Raja Shiv Dutt in the television fantasy drama Chandrakanta. Pankaj Dheer appeared in several Hindi films in supporting roles, including Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah. He also directed the film My Father Godfather.

In 2006, Dheer established a shooting studio, Visage Studioz, along with his brother Satluj Dheer at Jogeshwari in north Mumbai. In 2010, he opened Abhinay Acting Academy in Mumbai, with actor Gufi Paintal as the faculty head. Pankaj Dheer, who hailed from Punjab, was the son of filmmaker CL Dheer, who directed films such as the Geeta Bali-starrers Bahu Beti and Zindagi.