Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, famous for his role as Karna in BR Chopra’s iconic television show ‘Mahabharat’, passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. CINTAA confirmed that his cremation will be held today at 4:30 PM in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Dheer had a remarkable career in the entertainment industry, spanning television, films, and direction since 1981.
Pankaj Dheer was born into a film family
Pankaj Dheer was born on November 9, 1956 in Punjab, India, into a film-oriented family. His father, CL Dheer, was a noted filmmaker. Initially, Pankaj wanted to become a director, but fate led him to acting when he landed his debut role in the 1983 film ‘Sookha’. Over the years, he became a familiar face in both television and cinema, earning respect for his versatility, screen presence, and craft.
Pankaj Dheer’s role as Karna made him famous
Pankaj Dheer’s role as Karna in BR Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’ that made him a household name across India. His portrayal of the tragic hero struck a chord with audiences and remains one of the most loved characters in Indian television history. Dheer revealed that he initially auditioned for the role of Arjun but accepted Karna after speaking with BR Chopra, calling it “destiny.”
Pankaj Dheer had an 8-foot-tall statue in a temple
The impact of his performance was so profound that his image as Karna was used in school textbooks, and statues modeled after him are still worshiped in Karnal and Bastar. In an interview with India Forums, he said, “I also have two temples where there is Puja done every day. I am worshiped there in Karna Mandir. I have been to those temples. One is in Karnal and one is in Bastar. There is an eight-feet-tall statue of mine, and people come there and worship it. When I go there, people love me from the bottom of their hearts. This goes to show that they have accepted me as Karna. This becomes very difficult for others to play that role again.”
Pankaj Dheer’s TV shows and films
After ‘Mahabharat’, Dheer continued to deliver memorable performances in popular TV series such as ‘Chandrakanta’, ‘The Great Maratha’, ‘Kanoon’, ‘Harischandra’, ‘Badho Bahu’, and ‘Sasural Simar’ Ka’. His roles were praised for their depth, gravitas, and emotional range.In films, he appeared in notable Bollywood hits including ‘Sadak’ (1991), ‘Saugandh’ (1991), ‘Sanam Bewafa’ (1991), ‘Soldier’ (1998), ‘Baadshah’ (1999), ‘Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge’ (2002), and ‘Taarzan – The Wonder Car’ (2004). He later directed the 2014 film ‘My Father Godfather’.
Pankaj Dheer’s family
Pankaj Dheer was married to Anita Dheer, and the couple had two children. His son, Nikitin Dheer, is a well-known actor who has appeared in ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, and ‘Sooryavanshi’. His daughter-in-law, Kratika Sengar, is also a popular television actress.
Pankaj Dheer’s net worth
According to Businessupturn.com and Wion, Pankaj Dheer’s estimated net worth was around $180 million, highlighting his success in acting, direction, production, and other business ventures in Mumbai’s entertainment industry. Even decades after ‘Mahabharat’, Dheer’s image as Karna continues to be celebrated by fans of all generations. Social media has been flooded with tributes as the industry bids farewell to this legendary actor.DISCLAIMER: Figures presented in this article are derived from various public sources and are considered approximate unless explicitly noted. We strive for accuracy and may include direct input from celebrities or their teams when available. Your feedback is always welcome on toientertainment@timesinternet.in.
