Pankaj Dheer, Chandrakanta’s King Shivdutt, Dies at 68 After Battling Cancer 

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Actor Pankaj Dheer, who gained popularity for portraying the role of Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away on 15 October 2025. He died after fighting a long battle with cancer. The actor was reportedly unwell for some time, despite undergoing a major surgery to cure his cancer.

The Cine & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the veteran actor. Pankaj served as the former Hon. General Secretary of the association and also had been chairman.

A Career Defined by the Role of Karna


Pankaj Dheer was one of the finest actors who played the first anti-hero role on Indian Television. His portrayal of Karna’s character stirred strong emotions within the audience. The character’s search for his identity and the humiliation he had to face resonated immensely with the viewers.

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The impact of his performance in the Mahabharat can be judged from the fact that his image as Karna was used as a reference in textbooks. Not to mention that, statues of Karna based on Pankaj Dheer’s representation are even worshipped at some of the temples in India.

A Life and Legacy Beyond Mahabharat


Pankaj was also known for his memorable role as Raja Shivdutt in the fantasy drama series Chandrakanta, which aired from 1994 to 1996. His film appearances include movies such as Sadak, Sanam Bewafa, Aashik Awara, Bobby Deol's Soldier, Shah Rukh Khan's Baadshah, Akshay Kumar's Andaaz, Ajay Devgn's Zameen, and Tarzan: The Wonder Car. 

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, he appeared in daily soaps like Teen Bahuraaniyaan, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, and Sasural Simar Ka. Beyond acting, Dheer also worked as a director on the film My Father Godfather.

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Additionally, Dheer was an entrepreneur who co-founded Visage Studioz, a shooting studio in Jogeshwari, Mumbai, with his brother Satluj Dheer in 2006. In 2010, he established the Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai. His wife, Anita Dheer, and his son, Nikitin Dheer, are also actors.

Pankaj Dheer’s demise at 68 is a huge shock to his fans. The actor lost his battle against cancer, but his work in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat and Chandrakanta will never be forgotten and continue inspiring generations to come.