Pankaj Dheer Was Kicked Out Of 'Mahabharat' Over 'Moustache Stupidity', But Destiny Made Him 'Karna'

Veteran actor, Pankaj Dheer once essayed the role of 'Karna' in BR Chopra's television series, Mahabharat. His impeccable portrayal inked his name in the history of the TV industry and in the hearts of his fans. However, did you know that BR Chopra had once kicked Pankaj out over a 'moustache stupidity'?

Pankaj Dheer recalls being kicked out of Mahabharat

In a conversation with Lehren Retro, Pankaj Dheer recalled how once BR Chopra asked him to 'get out' of his office after he refused to shave off his moustache to play the role of 'Arjuna' in the show. Pankaj revealed that he was the first choice for the role of 'Arjun'. However, he didn't want to shave off his moustache for the role, which made BR Chopra kick him out of his office. He was quoted as saying:

"When I gave my audition, dialogue writers Rahi Masoom Raza, Bhring Tupkari sahab and Pandit Narendra Sharma ji had a panel together. They all thought that I would suit the role of Arjuna well. We shook hands on that, and I signed the contract. Then BR Chopra called me and told me that since I would also have to play the role of Brihannala (the eunuch form of Arjuna), I would need to shave off my moustache for that."

In the same conversation, Pankaj Dheer shared that he told the filmmaker that he won't shave it. He revealed that he told BR Chopra that his face wouldn't look good with the moustache. The filmmaker got agitated and expressed his dismay about his decision. He was quoted as saying:

"I was like, 'No, I can't do that.' I told him that my face's balance is such that if I shave off my moustache, I won't look good. He told me, 'Are you an actor or what? You are leaving such a big role because of a moustache. I can't understand this.'"

Pankaj Dheer revealed that it was 'stupid' of him to refuse to shave

In the same conversation, Pankaj Dheer revealed that giving up the role of 'Arjun' was stupid on his part. However, destiny had other plans for him. The actor recalled that BR Chopra tore his contract after he refused to shave the moustache. However, he didn't know that there was something else waiting for him.

Six months after the incident, BR Chopra called him again and offered him the role of 'Karna'. However, Pankaj only signed the role after he confirmed that he wouldn't have to shave his moustache for it. Mahabharat, along with Ramayan (1987), became one of the most successful television series based on an epic in Indian television history, and Pankaj received immense popularity by playing the role of 'Karna'. He was quoted as saying:

"It was my big stupidity, but at that time, I could understand only this much. Chopra sahab told me, 'Get out of this door and don't come back.' He threw me out of his office. Chopra sir called me again, and I call it destiny. He asked me if I could do Karna's role. I asked him, 'Sir, I don't have to shave off my moustache, right?' He said no. It was destiny that I got Karna's role."

What are your thoughts on Pankaj Dheer's revelation? Let us know.

Next Read: Pankaj Dheer, Who Played 'Karna' In BR Chopra's 'Mahabharat' Passed Away At 68, Know The Reason

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