Pankaj Dheer – Biography, Career, Family, and Facts

Pankaj Dheer – Biography, Career, Family, and Facts

Introduction:
Pankaj Dheer is a veteran Indian actor best known for his powerful performances in television and Bollywood. He gained immense fame for portraying Karna in the epic TV series Mahabharat (1988–1990). Over the years, he has become one of the most respected faces in the Indian entertainment industry, known for his dignified screen presence and versatile acting skills.

Early Life & Background

Full Name: Pankaj Dheer
Date of Birth: 9 November 1956
Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Actor, Director
Education: Graduate (details not publicly known)

Pankaj Dheer was born into a film-related family; his father, C.L. Dheer, was a film director. Growing up around cinema inspired him to enter the entertainment world at a young age.

Career Journey

🎬 Television Debut & Rise to Fame

Pankaj Dheer’s career took off with BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, where he portrayed Karna, one of the most memorable and emotional characters in Indian television history. His deep voice, powerful dialogue delivery, and emotional intensity made him a household name.

📺 Popular TV Shows

Mahabharat (1988–1990) – as Karna
Chandrakanta – as Shivdutt
Badho Bahu
Sasural Simar Ka
Karmaphal Daata Shani – as Surya Dev

🎥 Bollywood Career

Apart from television, Pankaj Dheer has appeared in over 60 Hindi films, often playing supporting or villainous roles.
Notable Movies:

Sadak (1991)
Soldier (1998)
Baadshah (1999)
Tahalka
Betaal Pachisi
Saugandh

Personal Life

Wife: Anita Dheer (Costume Designer)
Son: Nikitin Dheer, a well-known Bollywood actor (famous for roles in Chennai Express, Dabangg 2, and Shershaah).
The Dheer family is deeply connected to Indian cinema and television.

Other Works

Pankaj Dheer also runs an acting academy named Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai, which trains aspiring actors for film and television.

Awards & Recognition

Honored for his role in Mahabharat as one of Indian TV’s most iconic mythological performances.
Recognized at various cultural events and award functions for his contribution to Indian entertainment.

Interesting Facts

He is widely respected by co-actors for his discipline and humility.
He has directed a few short films and TV projects.
His son Nikitin Dheer married actress Kratika Sengar, another popular TV star.