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Mahabharat Actor Pankaj Dheer Passes Away At 68 After Long Battle With Cancer; Celebrities Mourn His Loss

Many celebrities and fans are mourning the loss of television’s most respected actors. Apart from Mahabharat, he was also known for his work in many Bollywood movies.

by Ashmeet Guliani
Mahabharat Actor Pankaj Dheer Passes Away At 68 After Long Battle With Cancer; Celebrities Mourn His Loss

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic role as Karna in Mahabharat, passed away today after a long and difficult battle with cancer at the age of 68. His cremation will be held later in the day. This heartbreaking news has left the industry in shock. 

Veteran Actor Pankaj Dheer Passes Away At 68 


India’s TV industry and Bollywood are reeling from a major heartbreak today. Actor Pankaj Dheer had reportedly been battling cancer for a long time and breathed his last today, October 15. His long-time friend and colleague Amit Behl also confirmed the unfortunate news to India Today. Reportedly, the veteran actor had fought cancer bravely for some time. However, a few months ago, the disease worsened, leaving Pankaj Dheer quite unwell and weak. He had also undergone major surgery.

CINTAA, the Cine & TV Artists’ Association, also confirmed the news on their Instagram page, writing: “CINTAA and CAWT mourn the loss of Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, former General Secretary of CINTAA and former Chairman of CAWT — a respected member of our fraternity whose invaluable contributions to Indian cinema and television will always be remembered.”

Also Read: Pavitra Rishta Actress Priya Marathe Passes Away At 38; Succumbs To Cancer

Leaving A Legacy Behind 

Apart from portraying Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, a show loved by all generations, Pankaj Dheer also worked in several Bollywood films, including Sanam Bewafa, Baadshah, and more. He appeared in popular Indian TV shows such as Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka. He is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, his son, actor Nikitin Dheer, and daughter-in-law Kratika Sengar Dheer.

Many celebrities, including his Mahabharat co-star Arjun Firoz Khan, his fans, and members of the film fraternity, took to social media to express their grief and mourn his loss. Pankaj Dheer will forever be remembered as Karna from Mahabharat.

Also Read: Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Passes Away At 91; Fans Mourn The Death Of The Italian Icon

Pankaj Dheer’s funeral will be held today at 4:30 pm at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Pankaj Dheer, Wikipedia

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First Published: October 15, 2025 3:37 PM