Mumbai: Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s landmark 1988 television series Mahabharat, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 68. According to sources quoted by NDTV, the actor had been battling cancer.

Dheer carved a distinguished career across television and film, with memorable roles in popular TV serials including Chandrakanta, Badho Bahu, Zee Horror Show, and Kanoon. He also appeared in a number of Hindi films such as Soldier, Andaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge.

In more recent years, Dheer featured in the 2019 web series Poison, and his final television appearance was in Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare in 2024.

His son, Nikitin Dheer, has followed in his footsteps, with notable roles in Bollywood films including Chennai Express, Jodhaa Akbar, and Sooryavanshi. Dheer was also father-in-law to actor Kratika Sengar, known for her lead role in Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani.

Pankaj Dheer’s last rites are scheduled to be held today at 4 pm at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Santa Cruz, Mumbai.