Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer has passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. This obituary looks back at his life — his biggest roles, family, and how he leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Who was Pankaj Dheer?
Pankaj Dheer was an Indian actor known mainly for television and films. He started acting around 1970 and became a familiar face in Hindi TV and cinema. He also co-founded a studio and an acting academy later in life.
Pankaj Dheer’s Famous Role as Karna in Mahabharat
His most iconic role was Karna in B. R. Chopra’s TV serial Mahabharat. That role turned him into a cultural reference. His face even appeared in textbooks and some temples, where people worshipped him as Karna.
He was once considered for the role of Arjun, but he refused to shave his moustache — a decision he later called “moustache stupidity.”
Pankaj Dheer’s Death Reason
He died due to cancer, after a long battle and relapse. He had undergone surgery earlier, but the disease returned.
Pankaj Dheer’s Net Worth in Rupees
His net worth according to some sources is ₹50–60 crore (USD 6 million).
Pankaj Dheer’s Height
His height is about 5 ft 11 in.
Pankaj Dheer’s Age
He was born on 9 November 1956 and died on 15 October 2025. He was 68 years old at death.
Pankaj Dheer’s Wife
His wife’s name is Anita Dheer.
Pankaj Dheer’s Son
His son’s name is Nikitin Dheer. He is also an actor in films and on television.
Nikitin Dheer Famous TV Shows & Movies
Nikitin made his Bollywood debut with Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and went on to appear in blockbuster films like Chennai Express, Dabangg 2, and Housefull 3. On television, he played strong roles such as Astika in Naagarjuna – Ek Yoddha and Ravana in Shrimad Ramayan (2024).
Pankaj Dheer’s Movies & TV Shows
Pankaj Dheer acted in numerous TV serials and films. His notable TV shows include Mahabharat, Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, Badho Bahu, and Kanoon.
Popular films include Baadshah, Sadak, Soldier, Andaz, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, and Chennai Express (as Megha’s father). His final TV appearance was in Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare (2024). He also featured in the web series Poison (2019).
Pankaj Dheer’s Daughter-in-Law
His daughter-in-law is Kratika Sengar, a well-known Indian television actress. She is famous for roles in Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki, Jhansi Ki Rani, and Punar Vivaah. The couple, Kratika and Nikitin, are among TV’s most loved celebrity pairs. She is also an actress.
Pankaj Dheer’s Religion
According to some public sources, he had followed Hinduism and was born in Punjab, India.
Pankaj Dheer’s Young Photos
Pankaj Dheer Family Photo
Pankaj Dheer’s Brother
He had a brother named Satluj Dheer, who was a film producer.
Pankaj Dheer’s Children
He has two children, son named Nikitin Dheer, and a daughter named Nitika Shah.
From Screen Icon to Real-Life Impact
Pankaj Dheer was more than an actor. His portrayal of Karna inspired people to build small temples where his image was worshipped. He also invested in nurturing talent—he co-founded Visage Studioz and launched Abbhinnay Acting Academy.
Through these, he gave back to the industry by training new actors. His life shows how myth and reality can blend — he lived on in the hearts of fans as Karna, yet remained grounded in his family and his work behind the scenes.
