Bollywood lost veteran actor Pankaj Dheer to cancer on October 15, 2025, at the age of 68 after a long fight against the disease. The late actor, remembered most for his classic performance of Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, was cremated in Mumbai on Tuesday night. Some celebrities from the television and film industry came to pay their respects.
Superstar Salman Khan was one of the prominent faces in attendance at the cremation. Donning a plain olive-green shirt, Salman appeared visibly shaken while paying condolences to mournful Dheer family. Actor Mukesh Rishi and fellow industry members also joined the funeral, bearing witness in solidarity on the grim occasion. Pankaj Dheer’s son and actor Nikitin Dheer looked shattered as he walked beside his father’s last rites.
Earlier today, the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) announced the news of Dheer’s death in an official statement:
“With deep grief and heartfelt sorrow, we regret to inform you about the sad demise of our Trust’s former Chairman and CINTAA’s ex-Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025.”
Pankaj Dheer became a household name towards the late 1980s with his strong and noble acting as Karna in Mahabharat, a role that is still among Indian television’s most enduring images. He went on to play leading roles in popular TV shows such as Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Kanoon. His authoritative air and deep voice gained him vast admiration across age groups.
Besides television, he also earned a place in Sanam Bewafa, Baadshah, and Sasural Simar Ka films. He has also directed My Father Godfather and has founded the Abhinay Acting Academy to train young actors.
Also Read: The End Of An Era: Pankaj Dheer, Mahabharat’s Karna, Passes Away After Cancer Battle
He leaves behind his wife, Anita Dheer, and son Nikitin Dheer.
