Pankaj Dheer’s last rites underway at Santacruz Crematorium

Pankaj Dheer last rites

After a fight with cancer, veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who is most known for playing Karna in B.R. Chopra's classic 1988 television series Mahabharat, died on 15 October at the age of 68.

Fans, co-workers, and the numerous lives he impacted over the course of his decades-long career and all feel a profound void in their hearts following his passing.

His final rites are taking place today at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai’s Santacruz area, with the ceremony scheduled for 4 PM.

Emotional scenes surfaced online earlier in the day, including a paparazzi-shared video showing his family getting ready for the final farewell. The image captures the silent heartbreak that every public figure faces.

The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), where Dheer once served as Honorary General Secretary and later as chairman of its trust, issued a heartfelt statement on Tuesday, expressing sorrow over the loss of someone they described as not only a respected artist but also a deeply committed member of the acting fraternity.

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Many people will always think of Dheer as Karna, the valiant warrior who met a terrible end. His performance in Mahabharat was so poignant and potent that it went beyond the screen. His picture served as a visual aid in school textbooks, and statues of Karna that were inspired by his performance are still revered in temples today.

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But his contribution didn’t end with that one role. Dheer had a long career in both film and television, frequently appearing in mythological stories, historical sagas, and courtroom dramas.

He also founded a production studio and an acting academy, helping to mould the next generation of performers and serving as a mentor to many.

Actor Nikitin Dheer, his son, posted a subdued yet heartfelt message on Instagram just hours before he passed away. The post featured an image of Lord Shiva in deep thought, alongside the quote:

“Whatever comes, Let it come. Whatever stays, Let it stay. Whatever goes, Let it go. As a Shiva Bhakt, says 'Shivarpanam' and move on! He'll take care!"

It closed with a simple yet poignant truth: “very hard to do.”