Pankaj Dheer

09 Nov, 1956 | Punjab

Actor

Biography

Pankaj Dheer was born on November 9, 1956 , in Punjab, India, into a film-oriented family. Though he initially aspired to become a director, destiny led him into acting. He began his career assisting directors before getting his first break in the film Sookha . Career Pankaj Dheer rose to fame with his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988) . His powerful performance made him a household name, and even today, his portrayal is remembered as one of the finest on Indian television. He later appeared in other popular TV shows such as Chandrakanta , The Great Maratha , Yug , Kanoon , Badho Bahu , and Sasural Simar Ka . In addition to television, Pankaj had a prolific film career. He acted in several Hindi movies including Sadak (1991), Tahalka (1992), Soldier (1998), Baadshah (1999), Zameen (2003), and Andaz (2003). He also appeared in regional films such as the Punjabi movie Kaptaan (2016). His screen presence, deep voice, and dignified demeanor made him a respected figure in both cinema and television. Personal Life Pankaj Dheer was married to Anita Dheer , a costume designer. Their son, Nikitin Dheer , is also a popular actor known for his roles in Chennai Express , Sooryavanshi , and Shershaah . Pankaj was deeply respected in the film fraternity and was known for his humility and professionalism. Death After battling cancer for some time, Pankaj Dheer passed away on October 15, 2025 , at the age of 68. His passing marked the end of an era in Indian entertainment. He left behind a legacy of strong performances and unforgettable characters that continue to inspire generations of actors. Legacy Pankaj Dheer’s portrayal of Karna remains one of the most revered in Indian television history. His contributions to Indian cinema and TV have left a lasting impact, and he will always be remembered as one of the finest actors of his generation.