<p>Actor Nikitin Dheer has finally broken his silence ten days after the passing of his father, veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who succumbed to cancer on October 15, 2025. In a deeply emotional social media post, Nikitin shared a moving tribute to his "Dad, Guru, and best friend" while confirming that he had immersed his father’s ashes in the holy River Ganga.</p><h2>Last rites and industry tributes</h2><p>The veteran actor, widely celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Karna in the television epic Mahabharat, was laid to rest in Mumbai in the presence of several industry stars, including Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, and Sidharth Malhotra. Following the funeral, Nikitin maintained a dignified silence on social media, choosing to grieve privately before sharing his first public reaction after completing the final rites.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/happy-birthday-raveena-tandon-stunning-career-and-net-worth-of-the-evergreen-90s-diva-1761462095580"><strong>Happy Birthday Raveena Tandon: Career and net-worth of the evergreen 90s diva</strong></a></p>

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQPWOntCFO_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by निकितिन धीर (@nikitindheer)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/r-madhavan-shares-glimpse-from-sets-of-gd-naidu-biopic-fans-can-t-stop-gushing-over-his-new-look-1761455255906"><strong>R Madhavan shares glimpse from sets of GD Naidu biopic, fans love his new look</strong></a></p><h2>Nikitin’s emotional post</h2><p>Taking to social media, the Shershaah and Chennai Express actor penned a heartfelt note, accompanied by a video montage of his late father. Expressing the profound loss felt by the family, Nikitin wrote, "On the 15th of October 2025, I lost my Dad, my Guru, my best friend...Shri Pankaj Dheer...he wasn't well for sometime...it shattered us as a family."</p><p>He acknowledged the universal truth of death while grappling with the loss of an "essential aspect of one's existence."</p><h2>Solace in the "river of love" from fans</h2><p>Nikitin shared his overwhelming gratitude for the continuous flow of love, respect, and prayers from fans, colleagues, and friends across the industry. He wrote, "As a few days passed and I saw the continuous river of love he was receiving, I realised that...this is life...not the material things one gathers... But the love...the blessings...the aadar satkar...all of which is intangible."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/bhuvan-bam-to-make-his-bollywood-debut-with-karan-johar-s-dharma-productions-details-inside-1761448681857"><strong>Bhuvan Bam to make his Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions</strong></a></p><h2>Final farewell at the Ganga</h2><p>The emotional tribute accompanied the news that the family had performed the asthi visarjan (immersion of ashes) in the sacred River Ganga today. Nikitin specifically thanked HH Swami Chidanand Shastri ji for assisting the family with the immersion and pooja at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/satish-shah-passes-away-did-you-known-actor-was-paid-rs-50-100-for-jaane-bhi-do-yaaro-1761414230358"><strong>Satish Shah dies: Did you known actor was paid Rs 50–100 for Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro?</strong></a></p><h2>A promise to his "best father"</h2><p>Concluding his post, Nikitin expressed his immense pride in being Pankaj Dheer’s son, describing him as the "best father a boy could ever ask for." He vowed to uphold his father's powerful life lessons, of "grit, character, loyalty, and persevering," promising to make him proud as both an actor and a human being.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pankaj Dheer’s legacy extends beyond Mahabharat to films like Baadshah and Tarzan, but his dignified portrayal of Karna remains etched in the memory of the nation.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Nikitin Dheer paid a heartfelt tribute to his father, Pankaj Dheer, who passed away on October 15. 

Actor Nikitin Dheer has finally broken his silence ten days after the passing of his father, veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who succumbed to cancer on October 15, 2025. In a deeply emotional social media post, Nikitin shared a moving tribute to his "Dad, Guru, and best friend" while confirming that he had immersed his father’s ashes in the holy River Ganga. Last rites and industry tributes The veteran actor, widely celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Karna in the television epic Mahabharat, was laid to rest in Mumbai in the presence of several industry stars, including Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, and Sidharth Malhotra. Following the funeral, Nikitin maintained a dignified silence on social media, choosing to grieve privately before sharing his first public reaction after completing the final rites. Also Read: Happy Birthday Raveena Tandon: Career and net-worth of the evergreen 90s diva

<p>Nikitin Dheer pays a heartfelt tribute to his father, Pankaj Dheer, who passed away on October 15.&nbsp;</p>

Nikitin Dheer pays emotional tribute after immersing father Pankaj Dheer’s ashes in Ganga | Watch

<p><br>Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer breathed his last on Oct 15, reportedly after his secret battle with cancer. He was 68 years old. Dheer, a well-known actor in the Indian film industry, is known for playing the role of Karan in BR Chopra's Mahabharat.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Two days after the actor's final rites, a prayer meet was held at the Mandapam Hall, ISKCON Temple, Juhu, Mumbai. To pay their last respects to the late actor, several renowned actors from the industry showed up.</p><h2>Pankaj Dheer prayer meet</h2><p>A-listers from the film industry, who have either worked with or known the actor, showed up to pay their respect and offer condolences to the bereaved family, including Pankaj Dheer's son, Nikitin.</p><p>Celebrities such as Shilpa Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Abhishek Bachchan, Ramesh Taurani, Sonu Sood, Zayed Khan, Suresh Oberoi and Rajat Bedi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pankaj-dheer-was-initially-signed-on-to-play-arjun-in-mahabharat-got-rejected-for-this-reason-1760526310483">Pankaj Dheer was not supposed to play Karna in Mahabharat</a></p>

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<p>Aditya Pancholi, Ashok Dubey, Deepak Parashar, Jaaved Jaaferi, Esha Deol, Firoz Khan (Arjun), Harish Bhimani, Madhur Bhandarkar, Mukesh Chhabra, Mukesh Khanna, Mukesh Rishi, Poonam Dhillon, Puneet Issar, Tej Sapru, Upasana Singh, and Urvashi Dholakia were also present at the prayer meet.</p>

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<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pankaj-dheer-dies-at-68-inside-the-family-net-worth-and-career-of-mahabharat-s-karna-1760519604513"><strong>Pankaj Dheer dies at 68: Family, net worth, and career of Mahabharat’s Karna</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pankaj's last rites were held at the Pawan Hans crematorium on Wednesday (Oct 15) evening. Celebrities such as Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, and Arbaaz Khan, among others, attended the funeral.</p><h2>Pankaj Dheer's cause of death</h2><p>Pankaj Dheer's family has not shared any official statement on the actor's death yet. But as per reports and the actor's close friends, he was not well for a very long period of time, and has gone through a major operation after his cancer relapsed. Exactly what kind of cancer the actor was suffering from is not known yet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Talking about Dheer's health, actor Amit Behl told ANI, "He was ailing about three years ago, but he had recovered. He was back to work. I spoke to him about four months ago, and he was sounding fine. But this is shocking, really shocking for all of us. He was ailing, but he had recovered, lost weight, and was working, you know, in a serial or something else. I spoke to him about three or four months ago, and he was sounding fine. So it's quite a shock to me. It's really sad.''</p>

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passed away on Oct 15, reportedly due to cancer. With over three decades of career experience and numerous critically acclaimed roles, the highlight of Dheer's career was BR Chopra's Mahabharat, in which he played the role of Karna. 

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer breathed his last on Oct 15, reportedly after his secret battle with cancer. He was 68 years old. Dheer, a well-known actor in the Indian film industry, is known for playing the role of Karan in BR Chopra's Mahabharat. Two days after the actor's final rites, a prayer meet was held at the Mandapam Hall, ISKCON Temple, Juhu, Mumbai. To pay their last respects to the late actor, several renowned actors from the industry showed up. Pankaj Dheer prayer meet A-listers from the film industry, who have either worked with or known the actor, showed up to pay their respect and offer condolences to the bereaved family, including Pankaj Dheer's son, Nikitin. Celebrities such as Shilpa Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Abhishek Bachchan, Ramesh Taurani, Sonu Sood, Zayed Khan, Suresh Oberoi and Rajat Bedi. Also read: Pankaj Dheer was not supposed to play Karna in Mahabharat

<p>Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passed away on Oct 15, reportedly due to cancer. With over three decades of career experience and numerous critically acclaimed roles, the highlight of Dheer's career was BR Chopra's Mahabharat, in which he played the role of Karna.&nbsp;</p>

Pankaj Dheer prayer meet: Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty and other stars pay tribute

<p>Television actor Pankaj Dheer is no more. The renowned actor, who was well-known for playing the role of Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, breathed his last on Oct 15 in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To pay their last respects to the actor, several Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan and Sidharth Malhotra, were spotted at the crematorium.</p><h2>Stars attend Pankaj Dheer funeral</h2><p>To bid a final goodbye to the actor, Salman, Sidharth, and many others arrived at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai's Santa Cruz area.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pankaj-dheer-was-initially-signed-on-to-play-arjun-in-mahabharat-got-rejected-for-this-reason-1760526310483"><strong> </strong>Pankaj Dheer was not supposed to play Karna in Mahabharat, had signed to play THIS character</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Dabangg actor looked visibly sombre when he arrived at the crematorium. Guarded by heavy security, he was seen standing quietly near the mortal remains. Pankaj's other friends from the industry were also present at the funeral, including Surendra Pal, Deep Dhillon, and Feroz Khan.</p>

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<p>Khan was seen comforting Pankaj's son, actor Nikitin Dheer, as they hugged outside the crematorium.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Actor Salman Khan and others attend the last rites of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>Video: ANI <a href="https://t.co/wRfhWfok2D">pic.twitter.com/wRfhWfok2D</a></p>&mdash; WION Showbiz (@WIONShowbiz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONShowbiz/status/1978457171323998706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pankaj-dheer-was-initially-signed-on-to-play-arjun-in-mahabharat-got-rejected-for-this-reason-1760526310483"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pankaj-dheer-dies-at-68-inside-the-family-net-worth-and-career-of-mahabharat-s-karna-1760519604513"><strong>Pankaj Dheer dies at 68: Inside the family, net worth, and career of Mahabharat’s Karna</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Salman and Pankaj shared a deep bond, and Pankaj saw Salman growing. Speaking about the Sikandar actor in an interview with Lehren Retro, the late actor said, via Indian Express, “Salman grew up in front of me. He used to play cricket in Bandra. I didn’t think at that time that Salman Khan would become such a big hero. There is no better person than Salman Khan in this industry. He is a very beautiful human and I don’t have words to describe him, I salute him. Whenever I meet him, I hug him. It doesn’t matter whether we work together or not. He has given up everything for his family. He has a big heart. I respect him a lot.”<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Shahbaz Khan, who played the role of Prince Virendra Vikram Singh in Chandrakanta﻿, was also in attendance along with actors such as Jaya Bhattacharya and Kushal Tandon.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pankaj Dheer, Veteran TV and film actor, shot to fame for playing the role of Karna in BR Chopra’s TV series Mahabharat. Dheer was reportedly battling cancer for years.&nbsp;</p>

Pankaj Dheer is no more. The well-known television actor breathed his last on Oct 15 after his secret battle with cancer. 

Television actor Pankaj Dheer is no more. The renowned actor, who was well-known for playing the role of Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, breathed his last on Oct 15 in Mumbai. To pay their last respects to the actor, several Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan and Sidharth Malhotra, were spotted at the crematorium. Stars attend Pankaj Dheer funeral To bid a final goodbye to the actor, Salman, Sidharth, and many others arrived at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai's Santa Cruz area. Also read: Pankaj Dheer was not supposed to play Karna in Mahabharat, had signed to play THIS character The Dabangg actor looked visibly sombre when he arrived at the crematorium. Guarded by heavy security, he was seen standing quietly near the mortal remains. Pankaj's other friends from the industry were also present at the funeral, including Surendra Pal, Deep Dhillon, and Feroz Khan.

<p>Pankaj Dheer is no more. The well-known television actor breathed his last on Oct 15 after his secret battle with cancer.&nbsp;</p>

Pankaj Dheer dies: Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra and other B-town star attend funeral

<p>Pankaj Dheer, veteran TV and film actor has died. The actor shot to fame after playing Karna in BR Chopra’s 1998s TV series Mahabharat. Dheer was reportedly battling cancer for years. The actor, with a tall physique and a deep baritone, created a lasting impression on all while playing the mythological character in the iconic TV series, so much so that when one reads about the character, it's Dheer’s face that comes instantly to one’s mind. But the actor was initially selected to play a different character in the show, and eventually played Karna</p><h2>Pankaj Dheer was selected to play Arjun in Mahabharat</h2><p>In an interview with Lehren from 2023, Pankaj revealed that he was initially selected to play Arjun in the show, <i>“Sabko laga ki main Arjun bohot achcha lagunga toh inhoney kaha aap Arjun ban jaiye. Haath milaya contract ban gayi. 2-3 mahine main Arjun banke ghumta raha, aur fir teesre mahine Chopra saab ne mujhe bulaya aur kaha ki baat ye hain tumhe Brihannala ka role karna hoga toh usme tumhe mooch katni hogi. Toh maine kaha ye nahi kar sakta main</i> (Everyone thought I would be best suited to play Arjun. The contract was made and for 2-3 months I was in it. Then I was called and told that I would have to cut my moustache to play Brihannala, and I refused to do that outright).”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Pankaj Dheer made Karna iconic&nbsp;</h2><p>He added, <i>“Maine kaha ki mera face ka balance aisa hain ki agar maine mooch nikal li toh woh achcha nahi lagega. Toh woh kehne lage ki tum actor ho, ek mooch ke chakkar me itna bada… but maine kaha ki main mooch nahi katunga. Toh bohot disappoint huye woh aur meri bewakoofi thi uss waqt, toh unhone mujhe nikal diya office se… 6 mahine tak nikal diya gaya. Ab ye hota he destiny jab Chopra sab ne phir bulaya aur kaha, ‘Karna ka role karoge?’ Toh maine poocha, ‘Mooch toh nahi kaatni hogi?’ Unhone bola nahi aur maine bola karenge sir! Toh woh destiny thi ki mujhe Karna ka role milna tha</i> (My face is such that if I shaved my moustache, I won't look good. Chopra saab was disappointed and told me to get out. The contract was broken. I was too childish at that time. But that is destiny, as 6 months later I was called again and Chopra saab then offered me Karna. I asked him whether I would have to cut my moustache. He said no. I said yes that moment).”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While Dheer went on to play Karna, the role of Arjun was played by actor Faisal Khan.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The actor’s decision helped him attain overnight stardom as the show became an iconic one. Dheer’s popularity helped in getting roles in Sadak, Sanam Bawafa and other films.&nbsp;</p><p>Dheer passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with cancer. The actor is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Veteran TV and film actor Pankaj Dheer passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. The actor shot to stardom in the late 1980s playing Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat. But did you know, he was not the first choice for this role?

Pankaj Dheer, veteran TV and film actor has died. The actor shot to fame after playing Karna in BR Chopra’s 1998s TV series Mahabharat. Dheer was reportedly battling cancer for years. The actor, with a tall physique and a deep baritone, created a lasting impression on all while playing the mythological character in the iconic TV series, so much so that when one reads about the character, it's Dheer’s face that comes instantly to one’s mind. But the actor was initially selected to play a different character in the show, and eventually played Karna Pankaj Dheer was selected to play Arjun in Mahabharat In an interview with Lehren from 2023, Pankaj revealed that he was initially selected to play Arjun in the show, “Sabko laga ki main Arjun bohot achcha lagunga toh inhoney kaha aap Arjun ban jaiye. Haath milaya contract ban gayi. 2-3 mahine main Arjun banke ghumta raha, aur fir teesre mahine Chopra saab ne mujhe bulaya aur kaha ki baat ye hain tumhe Brihannala ka role karna hoga toh usme tumhe mooch katni hogi. Toh maine kaha ye nahi kar sakta main (Everyone thought I would be best suited to play Arjun. The contract was made and for 2-3 months I was in it. Then I was called and told that I would have to cut my moustache to play Brihannala, and I refused to do that outright).” Pankaj Dheer made Karna iconic He added, “Maine kaha ki mera face ka balance aisa hain ki agar maine mooch nikal li toh woh achcha nahi lagega. Toh woh kehne lage ki tum actor ho, ek mooch ke chakkar me itna bada… but maine kaha ki main mooch nahi katunga. Toh bohot disappoint huye woh aur meri bewakoofi thi uss waqt, toh unhone mujhe nikal diya office se… 6 mahine tak nikal diya gaya. Ab ye hota he destiny jab Chopra sab ne phir bulaya aur kaha, ‘Karna ka role karoge?’ Toh maine poocha, ‘Mooch toh nahi kaatni hogi?’ Unhone bola nahi aur maine bola karenge sir! Toh woh destiny thi ki mujhe Karna ka role milna tha (My face is such that if I shaved my moustache, I won't look good. Chopra saab was disappointed and told me to get out. The contract was broken. I was too childish at that time. But that is destiny, as 6 months later I was called again and Chopra saab then offered me Karna. I asked him whether I would have to cut my moustache. He said no. I said yes that moment).” While Dheer went on to play Karna, the role of Arjun was played by actor Faisal Khan. The actor’s decision helped him attain overnight stardom as the show became an iconic one. Dheer’s popularity helped in getting roles in Sadak, Sanam Bawafa and other films. Dheer passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with cancer. The actor is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor.

<p>Veteran TV and film actor Pankaj Dheer passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. The actor shot to stardom in the late 1980s playing Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat. But did you know, he was not the first choice for this role?</p>

Pankaj Dheer was not supposed to play Karna in Mahabharat, had signed to play THIS character

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known as Karna from Mahabharat, passed away on October 15, 2025, at 68, after battling cancer. He had undergone surgery, but the illness relapsed.


India: ‘Mahabharat’ star Pankaj Dheer passes away at 68 after long battle with cancer 

Known for the iconic role of Karna in the Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer passed away on October 15. Let us take a look at his family, career, and net worth. 

Pankaj Dheer dies at 68: Inside the family, net worth, and career of Mahabharat’s Karna

<p>India actor Pankaj Dheer is no more. Best known for playing Karan in BR Chopra's Mahabharat dies at 68, reportedly after a secret battle with cancer. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A well-known face of India and the television and film industry, Dheer is known to millions for playing the role of mythological figure Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat. Since the late 80s to date, he has been active with his outstanding portrayal of a vast variety of characters across genres.&nbsp;</p><h2>Actor Pankaj Dheer dies after long battle with cancer</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The news of Pankaj Dheer has sent shockwaves across the country, his fans, friends and followers.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As of now, no official statement has been released by the family. However, according to sources quoted by India Today, he has been battling the deadly disease for some time. It has been said that his cancer relapsed a few months ago, after which his condition deteriorated. He has reportedly undergone surgery related to his condition.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Confirming Dheer's demise, an official statement from CINTAA (Cine &amp; TV Artistes’ Association) was released, “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA's former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His death was first confirmed by actor Feroz Khan, with whom he has worked in Mahabharat. Paying tribute to the late co-star, Khan shared a few photos on Instagram story and wrote,''Will miss you PD. Stay Blessed.</p>

Feroz Khan and Pankaj Dheer

<p><strong>Pankaj Dheer as Karan in BR Chopra's Mahabharat</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>BR Chopra’s Mahabharat is an epic. Decades have passed and several new versions of the epic tale are out, but people still remember the 80's TV series and the people who played the characters. In the huge star cast, Pankaj Dheer was also part of the cast, and he played the role of Karna, one of the crucial characters in the mythology. The fan base was crazy to a level that people used to reference the character in real life, and history books used to have photos of them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In an interview with India Forums, Dheer talked about the popularity that he got after playing the role of the great warrior, recalling how he was worshipped there.</p><p>"People have loved me and adored me over the years. Even in the history books of schools, if they have a reference to Karna, they have my picture there. So, as long as these books are printed in school, I will always be their reference as Karna," he said.</p>

India actor Pankaj Dheer is no more. Best known for playing Karan in Mahabharat dies at 68, after a long battle with cancer. 

India actor Pankaj Dheer is no more. Best known for playing Karan in BR Chopra's Mahabharat dies at 68, reportedly after a secret battle with cancer. A well-known face of India and the television and film industry, Dheer is known to millions for playing the role of mythological figure Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat. Since the late 80s to date, he has been active with his outstanding portrayal of a vast variety of characters across genres. Actor Pankaj Dheer dies after long battle with cancer The news of Pankaj Dheer has sent shockwaves across the country, his fans, friends and followers. As of now, no official statement has been released by the family. However, according to sources quoted by India Today, he has been battling the deadly disease for some time. It has been said that his cancer relapsed a few months ago, after which his condition deteriorated. He has reportedly undergone surgery related to his condition. Confirming Dheer's demise, an official statement from CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association) was released, “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA's former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.” His death was first confirmed by actor Feroz Khan, with whom he has worked in Mahabharat. Paying tribute to the late co-star, Khan shared a few photos on Instagram story and wrote,''Will miss you PD. Stay Blessed.

<p>Actor Pankaj Dheer was one of the revered and well-known actors in the Indian film industry. Starting acting in the late 80s, he has been and will be remembered for generations for playing Karan in Mahabharat.</p>

Pankaj Dheer, best known for playing Karna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, dead at 68

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Nikitin Dheer pays emotional tribute after immersing father Pankaj Dheer’s ashes in Ganga | Watch

Pankaj Dheer prayer meet: Abhishek, Shilpa Shetty and other stars pay tribute

Pankaj Dheer dies: Salman, Sidharth and other B-town star attend funeral

Pankaj Dheer was not supposed to play Karna in Mahabharat

India: ‘Mahabharat’ star Pankaj Dheer passes away at 68 after long battle with cancer

Pankaj Dheer dies at 68: Family, net worth, and career of Mahabharat’s Karna

Pankaj Dheer, best known for playing Karna in Mahabharat, dead at 68