Pankaj Dheer's Most Iconic Roles: 'Karna' In BR Chopra's Mahabharat, King 'Shivdutt' In Chandrakanta

Veteran actor, Pankaj Dheer, passed away on October 15, 2025, after a long fight with cancer. The actor was known for his towering personality and a rich baritone voice. He is best known for his role in BR Chopra's epic, Mahabharat, where Pankaj played the iconic role of 'Karna'. Pankaj, over the decades in his career, had carved a niche for himself as the fearless warrior, king and was known for his work in action drama movies and mythological epics.

Pankaj's legacy in the body of cinema was never embodied in one particular role. His performances were so iconic that he modernised the TV as well as the film world. His roles were so impressive that it always left a mark behind. The actor was always dedicated to his craft. Example- The tragic hero of the Mahabharat, 'Karna', always had a powerful arrogance and wanted respect. Pankaj reportedly always ensured that his gaze was stable and rarely blinked between the shots. Pankaj was immersed and dedicated to his craft, and here are a few iconic roles he played that touched hearts.

Pankaj Dheer's role as 'Karna' in BR Chopra's Mahabharat made it immortal

When one thinks of Pankaj Dheer, the first thing that comes to the mind of every '80s and '90s fan is his iconic role as 'Karna'. For the unversed, in the Mahabharata, 'Mata Kunti' was given a boon to have a child with desired qualities from the devas. 'Kunti', unaware of this, invoked the sun god to confirm its truth. Karna was born to 'Kunti' when she was unmarried, as a teenager. 'Kunti' feared the societal stigmas and in a basket abandoned her son at the Ganges. 'Karna' is then raised by foster parents who work for 'King Dhritarashtra'. He then becomes an exceptional warrior and also 'Duryodhana's loyal friend, and by being on the 'Kaurava's side, Karna dies on the battlefield.

Pankaj Dheer showed the existential crisis of 'Karna' on screen

Pankaj showed 'Karna' as someone who had a lot of respect, but fate was not in his favour. Dheer had put a lot of emotional depth into the character, and it was an identity for him. Pankaj's fans would touch his feet when he went out in public and call him 'Karna Maharaj', which earned him love for the role all over India.

Pankaj Dheer during the early days in TV played 'King of Chunargarh', 'Shivdutt' in Chandrakanta

Pankaj had found overnight success with Mahabharat Katha and worked in many movies, but on the small screen in Chandrakanta, he achieved significant success. The late actor was seen next to Mukesh Khanna and Irrfan Khanna in the serial, Chandrakanta, where he played the role of 'King Shivdutt'. His role as an antagonist made him a rival in a show that blended romance and adventure.

Pankaj Dheer was known for shifting from righteous to roles having demonic power

Even in Jai Hanuman, Pankaj played the role of 'Ravana', and in Om Namah Shivay, he portrayed 'Parashurama'. Every portrayal of Pankaj's character was unique and intellectually towering. His role showed that he could easily switch from playing righteous to also demonic characters.

Pankaj Khanna's Bollywood roles in Soldier, Baadshah and more

Well, on the small screen, Pankaj did immortalise himself, but also in Bollywood, he did make a strong mark with his characters. In movies like Saugandh, Sanam, Tahalka and Soldier, he was seen playing characters such as that of a courageous officer, friend and also a father figure. Like in Shah Rukh Khan's film, Baadshah, Pankaj essayed the role of 'Mr Khanna', who was shown as a security officer in charge. The movie also had Twinkle Khanna in a pivotal role. Even in Dastak, a TV series, his role in the horror show alongside Archana Puran Singh was commendable, as was his role in the courtroom drama, Kanoon, where he portrayed a defence lawyer.

Team BollywoodShaadis remembers the legacy of Pankaj Dheer who had immortalised all his characters.

Also Read: Pankaj Dheer Was The Matchmaker Of Nikitin And DIL Kratika, His Last Pic With Granddaughter Surfaces

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