Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, renowned for his portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s iconic 1988 television series Mahabharat, has passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association) member Amit Behl, with an official statement from CINTAA expressing profound grief over his demise.

Dheer's career spanned across television and film, with notable roles in shows like Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badho Bahu. He also appeared in Bollywood films such as Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah, often leaving a lasting impression in supporting roles.

His portrayal of Karna remains one of the most memorable performances in Indian television history. Interestingly, Dheer had initially auditioned for the role of Arjuna, but it was his distinctive moustache that led the makers to cast him as Karna, a role he later described as a twist of fate.