Beloved Actor Pankaj Dheer Passes Away at 68 After Cancer Battle

Pankaj Dheer's Legacy and Final Days

Pankaj Dheer, a renowned television actor celebrated for his portrayal of Karna in B R Chopra’s Mahabharat and King Shivdutt in the fantasy series Chandrakanta, has sadly passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged struggle with cancer.

His friend and producer Ashoke Pandit shared the news, stating, "He succumbed to cancer this morning after several hospital visits in recent months." Originally from Punjab, Dheer began his acting career in the 1980s, taking on various minor roles in films.

His breakthrough role came in 1988 when he was cast as Karna in the television adaptation of the epic Mahabharata, which significantly boosted his fame. Following this success, he appeared in several films, including Sadak, Sanam Bewafa, and Aashik Awara.

From 1994 to 1996, he starred in the TV series Chandrakanta, inspired by Devaki Nandan Khatri’s 1888 novel. Dheer also featured in notable films such as Soldier with Bobby Deol, Baadshah with Shah Rukh Khan, Andaz with Akshay Kumar, and Zameen and Tarzan with Ajay Devgn. In the late 2000s, he was seen in popular daily soaps like Teen Bahuraaniyaan, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, and Sasural Simar Ka.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and their son, Nikitin Dheer.