The Times of India reported that the actor passed away on October 15 at 68, after a long battle with cancer.
Actor Amit Behl confirmed Pankaj Dheer’s death, according to the outlet. Behl, who knew Dheer for over three decades, expressed profound grief and shared cherished memories of his friend, describing the news as “shocking.” He noted that Dheer had been unwell years prior but had recovered and returned to work.
“He was ailing about three years ago, but he had recovered. He was back to work. But this is shocking, really shocking for all of us. He was ailing, but he had recovered, lost weight, and was working,” Behl said in part of his late friend.
“I spoke to him about three or four months ago, and he was sounding fine. So it’s quite a shock to me. It’s really sad,” he added.
Pankaj Dheer was best known for his role as Karna in the 1988 television series Mahabharat. His performance made the character one of the most popular in Indian television history.
Pankaj Dheer’s acting career began with the 1981 film Poonam. He also appeared in films such as Sookha, Meraa Suhaag, Randam Varavu, and Jeevan Ek Sanghursh.
However, after his memorable turn in Mahabharat, Dheer became a sought-after character actor in both film and television. According to IMDb, he starred in popular TV shows like Chandrakanta, where he played King Shiv Dutt, and appeared in Zee Horror Show and Kanoon.
He also found success in films such as Soldier, Andaaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge.
He is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and his son, Nikitin Dheer, who has also pursued a career in acting.