Veteran Actor Pankaj Dheer, Known for ‘Mahabharat’ and ‘Chandrakanta’, Passes Away at 68

Veteran television and film actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s epic TV series Mahabharat and as King Shiv Dutt in the fantasy classic Chandrakanta, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Confirming the news, filmmaker and close friend Ashoke Pandit told PTI, “He passed away due to cancer this morning. He had been in and out of the hospital in the past months.”

A respected name in Indian television and cinema, Dheer leaves behind a rich legacy of memorable performances spanning over three decades. Apart from his landmark roles in Mahabharat and Chandrakanta, he appeared in several popular films including Sadak, Baadshah, Soldier, and Karan Arjun, as well as numerous TV serials.

He was also known for his dignified screen presence and his ability to bring depth and emotion to mythological and historical characters.

The cremation will be held later today, family sources said. Dheer is survived by his wife Suneeta Dheer and son Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor.

Tributes have poured in from across the film and television industry, with colleagues and fans remembering him as a versatile actor and a warm, humble person who inspired generations of performers.