ACTOR PANKAJ DHEER DIES AT 68AFTER A PROLONGED BATTLE WITH CANCER

-

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passed away today (October 15, 2025) at the age of 68, after a prolonged battle with cancer.  He was best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat

Early Life & Career

  • Pankaj Dheer was born on 9 November 1956.

  • He earned widespread fame for playing Karna in B.R. Chopra’s television epic Mahabharat (1988).

  • His acting credits spanned both TV and films. On television, he appeared in Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, Badho Bahu, Kanoon, Sasural Simar Ka, among others. 

  • In films, he took on smaller roles in Sadak, Baadshah, Soldier, Taarzan: The Wonder Car, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, and more. 

  • Besides acting, he co-founded Visage Studioz (in Mumbai) with his brother, Satluj Dheer. 

  • In 2010, he launched the Abbhinnay Acting Academy to mentor aspiring actors. 

  • Over time, his portrayal of Karna became so iconic that his image has even been used in textbooks, and statues of Karna (as interpreted by him) are worshipped in some places. 

Illness & Demise

  • Pankaj Dheer was struggling with cancer for a while. 

  • Reports indicate that his cancer relapsed in recent months, and he underwent a major surgery during this period.

  • Producer and friend Ashoke Pandit confirmed: “He passed away due to cancer this morning. He had been in and out of hospital in the past months.”

  • The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) issued a statement confirming his passing and announced that his cremation would take place at 4:30 PM the same day, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai. 

  • He is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, who worked as a costume designer, and his son, Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor. 

  • Hema Malini’s Tribute

    Hema Malini expressed her grief through a heartfelt post, calling Pankaj Dheer a “very dear friend.” She wrote that she will “miss his presence in my life” and described him as affectionate, supportive, and someone who stood by her in her endeavors. She said she felt devastated by his loss and remembered him as enthusiastic, full of life, and always encouraging.

    Funeral / Last Rites & Who Attended

    The cremation took place in Mumbai, near Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (West). 

    Many celebrities, colleagues, and friends paid their respects. Some of the notable attendees and moments:

    • Salman Khan was present, consoling Pankaj Dheer’s son, Nikitin Dheer. 

    • Sidharth Malhotra also attended, among others.

    • Several Mahabharat co-stars were present: Deep Dhillon (who played Jayadratha), Surendra Pal (Dronacharya) and Feroz Khan (Arjun) were among those paying respects. 

    • Mukesh Rishi was seen at the cremation ground as well. 

    • Gajendra Chauhan and Arjun Feroz Khan (from his TV co-star circle) shared their condolences and memories.

    • Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim attended the funeral too. Dipika was visibly emotional. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HENRY GRAHAM GREENE (GRAHAM GREENE)

-
Image
Graham Greene : A Literary Master of Moral Complexity Introduction GRAHAM GREENE Few authors of the 20th century combined storytelling, moral inquiry, and political awareness as powerfully as Graham Greene . An English novelist, short story writer, journalist, critic, and screenwriter, Greene created works that transcended genres, blurring the boundaries between popular fiction and literary art. He wrote thrillers infused with suspense, but unlike typical detective novels, Greene’s stories grappled with profound issues of faith, doubt, betrayal, and human frailty . Over a career spanning six decades, Greene produced more than 25 novels, as well as plays, short stories, memoirs, and essays. His works ranged from Catholic-themed explorations of sin and redemption—dubbed his “Catholic novels”—to politically charged thrillers that dissected espionage, imperialism, and corruption. Novels such as The Power and the Glory , The Heart of the Matter , The End of the Affair , and Our Man in Ha...
Read more

BLACKPINK

-
Image
  BLACKPINK: The Global Queens of K-Pop BLACKPINK is one of the most iconic and influential girl groups in the world today. Known for their powerful performances, catchy music, and stylish visuals, BLACKPINK has broken countless records and has become a symbol of the global rise of K-pop. ~Who Is BLACKPINK? BLACKPINK is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment in 2016. The group consists of four talented members: Jisoo (Kim Ji-soo) – vocalist and visual Jennie (Kim Jennie) – rapper and vocalist Rosé (Park Chaeyoung) – main vocalist Lisa (Lalisa Manoban) – main dancer and rapper They officially debuted on August 8, 2016 with their single album Square One , which included the hit songs BOOMBAYAH and Whistle . Since then, BLACKPINK has skyrocketed to international fame. ~Musical Style and Success BLACKPINK’s music blends pop, hip-hop, EDM, and trap , creating a unique and energetic sound. Their songs are known for their bold lyrics, girl-crush ...
Read more

KRISTEN JAYMES STEWART

-
Image
Kristen Stewart : A Journey from Child Actress to Global Icon KRISTEN JAYMES STEWART ~ Introduction Kristen Stewart is one of the most versatile and talked-about actresses of the 21st century. From her early days as a child actress in Hollywood to becoming a household name through The Twilight Saga , Stewart has carved her own unique path in the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has shifted away from blockbuster franchises into more experimental and indie cinema, earning critical acclaim and even an Academy Award nomination. Beyond acting, she has also emerged as a cultural icon, celebrated for her bold fashion sense, candid personality, and unfiltered authenticity. In this article, we will explore Kristen Stewart’s remarkable journey, her struggles, her triumphs, and the way she has influenced the modern perception of celebrity. ~ Early Life and Career Beginnings AT AGE EIGHT - FIRST ROLE "THE THIRTEEN YEAR"(1999)   Kristen Jaymes Stewart was born on April 9,...
Read more