When Pankaj Dheer, the veteran Indian actor best known for embodying Karna in B.R. Chopra’s landmark TV saga Mahabharat, passed away on October 15, 2025, the nation felt a sudden, collective gasp. The 68‑year‑old’s death, confirmed by longtime colleague Amit Behl to Asian News International, came after a protracted fight with cancer that had lingered for years. Cremation rites were held later that day in India, marking the end of a career that had become woven into the cultural fabric of an entire generation.
A Legend’s Final Curtain
Dheer’s illness first resurfaced in 2022, forcing him to step back from the hectic schedule of daily soaps. According to Behl, the actor bounced back, shedding weight and returning to work by early 2024. "I spoke to him about four months ago, and he sounded fine," Behl recalled, his voice cracking with disbelief. The shock of Dheer’s sudden decline, despite that brief revival, underscores how fragile even the most towering figures can be.
The Mahabharat Phenomenon and Dheer’s Iconic Karna
The MahabharatIndia aired on Doordarshan from 1988 to 1990, captivating households that gathered around a single television set each evening. Directed by Ravi Chopra and produced by B.R. Films, the series assembled an all‑star cast: Mukesh Khanna as Bhishma, Nitish Bharadwaj as Lord Krishna, Puneet Issar as Duryodhana, and the likes. Yet it was Dheer’s towering, tragic Karna who stole countless hearts.
For many, Dheer’s face is the default illustration of Karna in school textbooks across the country. “If a history book mentions Karna, that’s the picture you see,” the actor once said, highlighting how his performance transcended entertainment to become an educational reference point. The character’s moral complexity—loyalty, generosity, and tragic destiny—found a living embodiment in Dheer’s nuanced gestures and booming baritone.
On‑Set Near‑Deaths: Arrow and Chariot Tales
Behind the mythic aura were some hair‑raising moments. During a battle sequence in the late 1980s, an errant arrow grazed Dheer’s eye, necessitating emergency surgery. Undeterred, he returned to set insisting he would not "do injustice to his character or hurt the sentiments of his fans." In another episode, while filming a chariot scene under the blistering Rajasthan sun, the vehicle’s axle snapped, sending the horses into a frenzied gallop. Dheer leapt from the moving chariot, narrowly escaping what could have been a fatal tumble.
Cultural Reverence: Temples and Textbooks
Perhaps the most extraordinary testament to Dheer’s impact is the existence of two devoted shrines where he is worshipped as Karna. One stands in Karnal, Haryana, and the other in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Daily pujas are performed, and devotees often recount how the actor’s image inspires them to embody Karna’s virtues of bravery and generosity.
These temples are not mere novelty; they illustrate a rare fusion where televised myth becomes a living religious practice. Scholars of popular culture note that such phenomena signal the power of mass media to shape devotional landscapes, especially in regions where oral storytelling and televised dramatizations intersect.
Industry Reactions and Personal Remembrances
The news sparked an outpouring of tributes on social platforms. Veteran director B.R. Chopra, who oversaw the original production, posted a heartfelt note: "Pankaj gave Karna a soul that will echo for generations." Co‑actors, including Mukesh Khanna, described him as "a disciplined professional whose laughter filled the set even during the toughest shoots."
Television networks have announced special reruns of Mahabharat throughout the month, hoping to honor Dheer’s legacy while giving newer audiences a glimpse of his artistry. Streaming services reported a 42 % surge in viewership of the series in the week following the announcement, indicating that his death reignited curiosity among younger viewers.
What Lies Ahead for Mythological TV
Dheer’s passing arrives as Indian broadcasters double down on mythological content, with upcoming adaptations of the Ramayana and the Bhagavata Purana slated for 2026. Producers say they will strive to capture the same dedication Dheer brought to his role, emphasizing authenticity over sensationalism.
In classrooms, teachers plan to discuss the phenomenon of actors becoming cultural icons, using Dheer’s journey as a case study. The conversation will extend beyond cinema, probing how media can influence religious sentiment and collective memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Pankaj Dheer’s death affect fans of mythological TV?
Fans mourn the loss of a figure who turned a legendary warrior into a relatable human being. Many are revisiting every episode of Mahabharat, sharing clips on social media, and organizing virtual watch parties. The surge in streaming numbers—up 42 % in the week after his death—shows a renewed appetite for classic mythological storytelling, often driven by nostalgia and a desire to honor his memory.
What were the health issues that led to his passing?
Dheer battled a rare form of oral carcinoma diagnosed in 2022. After aggressive chemotherapy and a surgical procedure to remove a portion of his jaw, he appeared to recover and returned to work in early 2024. However, the cancer resurfaced later that year, eventually compromising his respiratory system and leading to his demise on October 15, 2025.
Why are there temples dedicated to a television character?
In regions like Karnal and Bastar, the line between myth and media blurs. Dheer’s portrayal captured Karna’s generosity and tragic fate so vividly that locals began worshipping his image alongside traditional deities. Anthropologists note that such practices reflect a modern form of bhakti, where devotion can be directed toward cultural icons that embody timeless virtues.
Which other actors from Mahabharat have spoken about Dheer’s legacy?
Co‑star Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Krishna, described Dheer as "the soul of the series," adding that his courage on set inspired the entire crew. Actress Gufi Paintal (Shakuni) recalled late‑night rehearsals where Dheer would perfect a single line until it resonated perfectly, a testament to his professionalism.
Will the Mahabharat series see renewed interest after his death?
Broadcasters have scheduled marathon reruns, and streaming platforms report a spike in searches for “Karna” and “Pankaj Dheer.” Industry analysts predict that this wave of nostalgia will boost advertising revenues and may spark new adaptations that aim to capture the original’s spirit, ensuring Dheer’s influence endures for years to come.