5 December, 2025, 6:20 pm Central - 25°C Clouds

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

FEATURE NEWS
Attorney General must work closely with the GCC on reform of native land laws - President
The principle of free, prior, informed consent or the requirement for effective consultations is crucial to the reform of our laws on native land and ...
1 hour ago
LATEST NEWS
Deaf respondents were among the most affected by online abuse during COVID-19 survey
Findings from the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation and the Disability Rights Fund survey show that during COVID-19, 24 percent of respondents ...
21 minutes ago

$140,000 renovation project of Empower Pacific Counselling Centre aims to provide improved services
A $140,000 renovation project, funded through a donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has seen the soft-launch of the Empower ...
47 minutes ago

People's Fiji and Next Gen Alliance Party applications released for public objection
The Fijian Elections Office has confirmed the publication of applications from two proposed political parties. Speaking to the media, Supervisor ...
59 minutes ago

Tourism Fiji strengthens its engagement with operators in Vanua Levu and Taveuni
A platform for open discussion on opportunities, constraints, and pathways to improve tourism outcomes in Vanua Levu and Taveuni was the main focus ...
2 hours ago

Vou makes history as first Fijians to headline major NZ Arts Festival
A proud moment for Fiji’s creative industry is on the horizon, as Vou Dance Company prepares to make history on two of New Zealand’s major arts ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Law Society Convention 2025
There is a constant struggle that we seem to have in Fiji with upholding and respecting the rule of law, and in my view, I think it starts at the ...
8 hours ago

Tribunal case of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Nakarawa
Tribunal proceedings for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Nakarawa are underway, focusing on allegations of misbehaviour during his tenure as ...
8 hours ago

Inspire Pacific Founder Ben Morrison and Peer Mentor Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Pastor Ben Morrison and Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan as they discuss Inspire Pacific’s specialised ...
1 day ago

TOP