Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic role as Karna in B.R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’, passed away on October 15, 2025, after a long and brave battle with cancer. On Friday, October 17, family, friends, and members of the entertainment industry gathered to pay their respects at a prayer meet in Mumbai. The Dheer, Shah, Sengar, and Khanna families organised the prayer meet and shared a heartfelt invitation, “We gather to remember Shri Pankaj Dheer, celebrating the life of a remarkable soul whose love, laughter, and wisdom continue to guide us.”
Pankaj Dheer’s family
One of the most emotional moments came when Pankaj Dheer’s wife and daughter-in-law, Kritika Dheer, entered hand in hand. Shortly after, his son, Nikitin Dheer, joined them, completing this touching family tribute.
Bollywood celebrities attended to pay respects
Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, Rajat Bedi, Poonam Dhillon, Rohit Shetty, Sonu Sood, Jackie Shroff, Mukesh Khanna, and other well-known stars from film industry attended the prayer meet
Tributes for Pankaj Dheer
After Pankaj Dheer’s passing, fans and colleagues expressed their sorrow and admiration online. Hema Malini, a close friend of the actor, shared her grief in a heartfelt note, “I have lost a very dear friend today and am totally devastated. Pankaj Dheer, always so affectionate, enthusiastic about everything, a talented actor who won audience hearts with his portrayal of Karna in ‘Mahabharat’, so full of life, has breathed his last. He passed away after a spunky fight with cancer which he was determined to overcome. To me, he was always so supportive, encouraging me in whatever I undertook and always by my side when I needed him.”Hema Malini added, “I will miss his constant support and presence in my life. My heart goes out in distress to his dear wife Anita ji who was the light of his life.”
Iconic role of Karna made him household name
Pankaj Dheer’s portrayal of Karna in ‘Mahabharat’ remains one of the most loved characters in Indian television history. Following his iconic role in ‘Mahabharat’, Pankaj Dheer went on to appear in several notable Bollywood films. In 1991 alone, he featured in ‘Sadak’, ‘Saugandh’, and ‘Sanam Bewafa’, showcasing his versatility on the big screen. He later appeared in popular films such as ‘Soldier’ (1998), ‘Baadshah’ (1999), ‘Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge’ (2002), and ‘Taarzan – The Wonder Car’ (2004). Go to Source
