Pankaj Dheer's iconic roles: From Mahabharat's Karna to Raja Shiv Dutt in Chandrakanta
From Mahabharat’s noble Karna to the powerful Raja Shiv Dutt in Chandrakanta, Pankaj Dheer delivered unforgettable performances that defined television’s golden era and cemented his legacy as an iconic screen presence.
1. Karna in Mahabharat - Pankaj Dheer’s portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat remains one of the most powerful performances in Indian television history. He brought immense dignity and depth to the tragic hero—an embodiment of loyalty, pride, and pathos. Dheer’s Karna wasn’t just a warrior; he was a man torn between fate and conscience. His controlled anger, calm speech, and quiet suffering turned the character into a cultural archetype. Viewers felt his pain and rooted for his integrity even when destiny turned cruel. For millions, Pankaj Dheer didn’t play Karna—he became him, defining how generations visualize the epic figure.
2/8
2. Raja Shiv Dutt in Chandrakanta - In Chandrakanta, Dheer’s King Shiv Dutt radiated royal charisma and commanding authority. He played the antagonist, but not as a one-dimensional villain. His Shiv Dutt was proud, intelligent, and deeply human—a ruler fighting to protect his throne and legacy. Dheer brought weight to every line, turning a fantasy show into a tale of power and morality. His chemistry with other characters elevated the drama, making the magical world of Chandrakanta believable. This role proved that Pankaj Dheer could handle grand spectacle and complex emotion with equal mastery, keeping audiences glued to their screens every week.
3/8
3. Sadashivrao Bhau in The Great Maratha - Dheer’s portrayal of Sadashivrao Bhau in The Great Maratha was steeped in historical pride. The show explored the political and military struggles of the Maratha Empire, and his performance captured the inner turmoil of a man burdened by leadership and destiny. As the commander who faced the Battle of Panipat, Dheer’s Bhau was brave yet vulnerable, strategic yet haunted by moral choices. His deep baritone voice and regal posture lent authenticity to the period setting. It was a role that demanded both restraint and fire, and Dheer delivered both with effortless conviction.
4/8
4. Ali Khan in Yug - In the patriotic drama Yug, Dheer played Ali Khan—a role that symbolized unity across communities during India’s freedom struggle. Unlike his mythological or royal avatars, this character was grounded, emotional, and real. He depicted courage not through grand gestures but through quiet strength. Dheer infused the role with empathy and purpose, showing a man driven by ideals in turbulent times. His performance added a moral center to the ensemble cast, reminding viewers that patriotism and humanity are inseparable. It showcased his adaptability to modern narratives while retaining his signature gravitas.
5. Defense Lawyer in Kanoon - As the defense lawyer in Kanoon, Pankaj Dheer traded swords for sharp arguments. The courtroom setting gave him a new canvas—less about spectacle, more about intellect. His delivery was calm yet forceful, his presence dignified yet intimidating. The show emphasized logic, justice, and morality, and Dheer’s performance anchored it with a sense of fairness and empathy. He made viewers believe in the power of reasoning and the importance of truth, proving that he could dominate contemporary dramas just as convincingly as mythological epics. It was an understated yet powerful shift in his career.
6/8
6. Raja Sahab in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat - In Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, Dheer stepped into the shoes of Raja Sahab, the patriarch of a royal family navigating love, class, and tradition. He brought grace, authority, and emotional intelligence to the role. His character wasn’t merely a symbol of old-world nobility but also of evolving values in modern India. Dheer portrayed him as stern but compassionate, traditional yet fair. His nuanced acting made the family dynamics richer, and his on-screen restraint gave the younger cast room to shine while still commanding respect. It was a mature, layered performance that resonated with viewers.
7/8
7. Thakur Raghuvir Singh Ahlawat in Badho Bahu - In Badho Bahu, Dheer portrayed Thakur Raghuvir Singh Ahlawat—a strong-willed patriarch with old-fashioned values and deep-rooted pride. His commanding presence was balanced by moments of surprising tenderness, making the Thakur both formidable and relatable. Dheer infused the role with warmth and humor, highlighting the generational clashes between tradition and change. Even in a contemporary comedy-drama setting, he managed to bring intensity and emotional depth. The show became a reminder of how effortlessly he could transition from epics to light-hearted family television without losing authenticity.
8/8
8. Himavat in Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev - Later in his career, Dheer returned to mythology as Himavat, father of Parvati, in Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev. His performance radiated calm, wisdom, and protective love. Unlike Karna’s torment or Shiv Dutt’s ambition, Himavat was a figure of serenity and paternal care. Dheer’s voice carried warmth, and his expressions conveyed deep understanding of divine duty and human emotion. It was a role that suited his maturity and experience, rounding off his journey through myth, history, and drama. Audiences found comfort in his presence—a father figure both celestial and deeply human.
