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20 February, 2026, 2:20 pm
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20 February, 2026, 2:20 pm Central - 29°C Rain

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, known for his iconic role as Karna in Mahabharat, passes away

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, known for his iconic role as Karna in Mahabharat, passes away

By Priya Nand
17/10/2025
Source: Times of India

Renowned actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Karna in B. R. Chopra’s epic 1998 television series ‘Mahabharat’, passed away yesterday at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

The Times of India says that he passed away in the morning and was cremated in the evening.

The actor rose to fame with his powerful performance as Karna, where his calm yet commanding presence, impactful dialogue delivery, and strong screen presence made him a household name and one of the most beloved characters in Indian television history.

His portrayal turned him into a star almost overnight, and following the success of Mahabharat, he went on to appear in numerous films and television shows, building a successful and respected career in the entertainment industry.

He is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son Nikitin Dheer, who has followed in his father’s footsteps and earned recognition for his roles in films like Chennai Express, Jodha Akbar, and Sooryavanshi.

Source: Times of India

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