Mahabharat Actor Pankaj Dheer Dies After Prolonged Battle With Cancer; Cremation To Take Place Today

Actor Pankaj Dheer – best known for his portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s iconic 1988 TV series Mahabharat, is no more. The 69-year-old actor passed away earlier today, Wednesday, October 15 in Mumbai. As per reports, the veteran actor died after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Mahabharat Actor Pankaj Dheer No More

As per an India TV News report, Pankaj Dheer was unwell for a very long time and his battle with cancer relapsed a few months back. Following the relapse, the senior actor underwent a major surgery, but sadly succumbed to the illness.

Pankaj Dheer’s death was also confirmed by his Mahabharat co-star, Arjun Feroz Khan. The actor – who played the role of Arjun in the series, took to his Instagram handle and shared a few photos sharing the sad news. He simply wrote on the post, “Will miss you always Pankaj (crying emojis)”

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A post shared by ARJUN FEROZ KHAN (@arjunferoz)

Sharing the same pictures to his Instagram Stories too, Arjun captioned one, “Gentleman!!! Bids goodbye (crying emoji) will miss you PD (broken heart emoji) Stay blessed”

The President of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, Ashoke Pandit, also expressed shock and sorrow over Pankaj Dheer’s passing on social media. Pandit called Dheer a brilliant actor and a great human being. He further described Pankaj’s death as a huge loss to the industry.

Funeral Details

As reported by above mentioned publication, CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association) released an official statement confirming the news of Pankaj Dheer’s demise. The statement read, “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.“

Pankaj Dheer’s Career

Aside from Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer – who was one of the most familiar faces on Indian television in the late 80s and 90s – also featured in TV serials such as Chandrakanta, Badho Bahu, Zee Horror Show, and Kanoon. He was also part of Bollywood films such as Soldier, Andaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge. He has also worked with Archana Puran Singh in the Zee Horror Show.

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Also Read: Aamir Khan Confirms Mahabharat Will NOT Be His Last Film; Says, “Answer Ko Theek Se Sunna Chahiye”

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.