Roopa Ganguly Remembers ‘Mahabharat’ Co-Star Pankaj Dheer: ‘The Most Handsome Man After Nitish Bharadwaj’

Actor Roopa Ganguly, best known for her portrayal of Draupadi in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988–1990), fondly remembered her late co-star Pankaj Dheer, who played Karna in the iconic television series. Speaking to NDTV, Roopa praised Dheer’s charm and recalled him as “the most handsome man on the set after Nitish Bharadwaj.”

Expressing grief over his passing, Roopa said she was unaware of Dheer’s illness. “I spoke to him over text probably a year ago, but he never mentioned anything about his health,” she said, breaking down during the interview. “We met years ago, but stayed in touch through messages on and off.”

Reminiscing about their time together on set, Roopa said, “He was very well-mannered, soft-spoken, and always reserved. Puneet Issar and Firoz Khan were playful, but Pankaj was different. I often texted him calling him ‘my most handsome friend’ — he knew people admired his looks.”

Pankaj Dheer’s Passing and Legacy

According to PTI, Pankaj Dheer passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. “He had been in and out of the hospital for the past few months,” filmmaker Ashoke Pandit told the agency.

His last rites were held at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium on Wednesday evening, with several industry colleagues — including Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Arbaaz Khan, Mika Singh, and Puneet Issar — attending to pay their final respects.

Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife, Anita Dheer, and son, actor Nikitin Dheer.

A Celebrated Career

After Mahabharat, Dheer went on to appear in numerous hit films, including Sadak, Sanam Bewafa, Aashik Awara, Soldier, Baadshah, Andaz, and Zameen. He also featured in popular TV shows like Chandrakanta, Teen Bahuraaniyaan, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, and Sasural Simar Ka.

Remembered as one of television’s most dignified and charismatic actors, Pankaj Dheer’s portrayal of Karna remains etched in the memories of millions of viewers even decades later.