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Renowned actor Pankaj Dheer, known for his role as Karna, has passed away at the age of 68. The entire industry and his fans are in deep shock. The news of his death was confirmed by Dheer’s old friend, colleague, and CINTAA member Amit Behl. As per reports, Dheer had been battling cancer for many years.
Pankaj Dheer started his acting career with the film Sookah in 1983. Later, he appeared in many films like Mera Suhaag, Saudagar, Sanam Bewafa, Sadak, Baadshah, Mr Bond, Ishq Pe Ishq, and Ashant. However, his breakthrough moment came with television, that turned him into a household name.
He played the role of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat. When the show was aired on Doordarshan, Dheer’s portrayal of Karna struck a chord with audiences and made him a fan favourite. Soon, his role made him one of the most beloved mythological characters of Indian television. Even decades later, during the show’s retelecast, viewers continued to shower immense love on his performance.
Besides acting, Pankaj Dheer was also a trained writer and director. Over the years, he assisted several renowned filmmakers and worked on projects across genres. On television, he appeared in iconic series such as Kanoon, Chandrakanta, Harishchandra, Yug, and Sasural Simar Ka, proving his versatility across eras and roles.
In 2014, Pankaj made his directorial debut with the film My Father Godfather, which featured his real-life daughter-in-law, actress Kratika Sengar.
In 2010, Pankaj Dheer founded his own acting school, Abhinnay Acting Academy, with the vision of training the next generation of performers. To inaugurate the event, superstar Akshay Kumar was invited.
Besides Pankaj, his entire family belonged to the entertainment background. His father, C.L. Dheer, was a Bollywood film director, while his brother Satluj Dheer worked as a producer. Pankaj married Anita Dheer, and their son Nikitin Dheer followed in his footsteps, becoming a well-known Bollywood actor; he also starred in the film Chennai Express. His son Nikitin is married to television actress Kratika Sengar, who is adored for her roles on the small screen. Pankaj also had a daughter, Nikita Shah, completing a family deeply tied to cinema and creativity.
From playing the noble Karna to guiding aspiring actors, Pankaj Dheer’s contribution to Indian entertainment remains timeless, and people will always remember him for his notable role.
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