Actor Pankaj Dheer, whose impressive turn as the wronged prince Karna in the television epic, ‘Mahabharat’ (1988), embedded him in a generation’s memory, passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday. He was 68. Dheer was suffering from cancer. “He had been in and out of hospital in the past months,” producer and friend Ashoke Pandit told PTI.

In an interview to the video magazine, ‘Lehren Retro’, the actor once revealed that he had refused the part of Arjun in the BR Chopra production because he was asked to shave off his moustache. “It was foolishness,” he admitted. Six months later he was offered Karna which didn’t require him to shave off facial hair.

Dheer’s family roots went back to Kasur, a town south of Lahore, in pre-independence India. But the son of producer-director C L Dheer (‘Bahu Beti’, ‘Alingan’) had grown up in Bandra, Mumbai.

The TV show’s Sanskritised dialogues triggered performance anxiety. The actor sought tips from Rahi Masoom Raza, who had co-written the show. Among other things, Raza suggested that he should read aloud the Hindi daily, ‘Navbharat Times’, a sister publication of The Times of India, everyday.

With his imposing presence and empathetic voice, Dheer executed an unforgettable Karna drawing the audience's sympathy. The role gave him what every actor yearns for: fame, adulation and a steady career.

When the character died in the serial, many shaved off their hair in Bastar, then part of Madhya Pradesh. “At the behest of (then) chief minister Arjun Singh, I flew there and consoled the mourners, assuring them that I was alive. It was something you believe only when you see it,” he recalled in the interview.

Pankaj Dheer also said, “Many people do not know my name, but they recognize me as Karna. Even today, my face is published as Karna’s face in textbooks.”

The role opened doors in television and films leading to nearly 100 TV shows and films. One of his most remembered roles was of King Shivdutt in the mega fantasy, ‘Chandrakanta’ (1994). Two notable films were Bobby Deol’s ‘Soldier’ (1998) and Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Baadshah’ (1999), where he played a scheming security chief.

Dheer’s passing was mourned on social media. Among those who attended the funeral were fellow actors from Mahabharat, and Salman Khan, with whom he had worked in films such as ‘Sanam Bewafa’ (1991).

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Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away yesterday after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 68. Dheer was seen in films like Sadak, Soldier, and Badshah, as well as several TV shows, including Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug, and Badho Bahu. He is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and son, Nikitin Dheer, who is also an actor.

His Mahabharat co-actor and close friend Gajendra Chauhan, who played Yudhisthir in the show, said, “I am deeply saddened and will miss him a lot. Pankaj was not the serious guy he looked like on screen. He was very jovial, always smiling and a wonderful host. We used to meet every fortnight at someone’s home, and Pankaj would keep everyone laughing. Shooting with him was smooth and joyful because he was light-hearted and pleasant.”

Arjun Feroz Khan, who played Arjun in Mahabharat, posted a picture on Instagram and wrote, “Gentleman! Bids goodbye. Will miss you, PD. Stay blessed (sic).”

Puneet Issar, who played Duryodhan, said, "Karna and Duryodhan were brothers, and I could play that part with him so naturally because I had known him even before we did Mahabharat. I am heartbroken, and I will always miss him."

The Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association President Ashoke Pandit penned on social media, “Shocked to know about the sad demise of our dear friend and a brilliant actor, Pankaj Dheer. A great human being. Huge loss to the industry.Heartfelt condolences to the family (sic).”

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Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer died on October 15 after a prolonged battle with cancer at the age of 68. His cremation was held yesterday in Mumbai. A statement from CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association) confirmed the news, expressing “profound grief and deep sorrow” at the passing of their former chairman and general secretary.

His performance as Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat made him a household name, and he appeared in shows Chandrakanta, Yug, The Great Maratha, and Badho Bahu. He also starred in films like Sadak (1991), Soldier (1998), and Baadshah (1999).

Pankaj is survived by his wife Anita Dheer, son Nikitin Dheer, and daughter-in-law Kratika Sengar.

It’s very shocking news and quite sad. I got the honour of working with him in my first film Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004). He was fantastic and he always made sure that we were all comfortable.

- Vatsal Sheth

It was a privilege to work with him in Rishton Ka Saudagar – Baazigar. He used to get sandwiches from home just for me. Anyone who worked with him knows what an amazing person he was.

- Ishita Dutta Sheth

Pankaj ji was the first senior actor I ever worked with in Rang Badalti Odhani. He treated me like a son with so much kindness. He’ll always be remembered with immense love and respect.

- Karan Tacker

He was one of the finest gentlemen I ever worked with (in Mahabharat). He also crossed the epitome of every humanity angle. He’ll be missed.

- Arjun Feroz Khan

Afilm about two feuding Pathan tribal families and the innocence of young love was the premise of Sanam Bewafa (1991). Actor Puneet Issar, who played a prominent role in the superhit film which also starred actors Salman Khan, Chandni, Danny Denzongpa and the late Pran, feels the film is still fresh in everyone’s minds, 30 years after it released.

“The film is timeless. The music, composed by Mahesh-Kishor, and the charisma of Salman Khan is what made the film a super duper hit. The dialogues were superb, the story was emotional and it connected with the audience. It also had some great performances and larger-than-life characters. Everything worked wonderfully,” says Issar, who played the role of Afzal Khan in the Saawan Kumar Tak directorial.

The film, the 61-year-old adds, was important for him, too, as it was his first project after Mahabharat. “After playing Duryodhan, I did this film, and people were wondering how I was going to perform. I have very fond memories,” he says.

Sanam Bewafa also marked the beginning of a formidable friendship with Salman. “It was a very happy camaraderie on set and off it as well. We used to work out and train together. When he used to shoot, I’d be around on set, and he would be on set during my scenes. I had a song in that film and I remember how Salman would say, ‘Punz, fantastic job’,” says the actor, recalling that after the film released, he and Salman used to visit theatres to gauge the audience’s reaction.

“People would throw coins at the screen whenever we’d appear, they would whistle and dance to the songs. They enjoyed the film thoroughly,” he signs off.