From Rs 300 a month to stardom: Mukesh Khanna reveals Pankaj Dheer’s humble journey before ‘Mahabharat’ fame

Pankaj Dheer’s iconic portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat made him a household name. With his commanding voice, regal demeanor, and emotional depth, he became the face of one of Indian mythology’s most complex heroes. His performance not only brought him immense fame but also secured his place in the annals of Indian television.

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The Sudden Loss That Shook Fans

On October 15, the entertainment world and countless admirers were left reeling after Pankaj Dheer’s sudden demise due to cancer. He had reportedly been battling the illness for some time, and news of his passing sent waves of grief across the fraternity. Fans poured their memories and heartfelt tributes on social media, mourning the man who made Karna immortal.

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, who played Bheeshm Pitamah in 'Mahabharat', expressed his sorrow on the sudden demise of Pankaj Deer.

Even veteran actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who played the iconic role of Lord Krishna in Mahabharat, also shared his condolences message.

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A post shared by Nitish Bharadwaj (@nitishbharadwaj.krishna)

Mukesh Khanna Reveals: From Rs 300 to Stardom

In his remembrance, Khanna revealed a striking detail about Dheer’s early career - before Mahabharat, he earned merely Rs 300 a month while working as an assistant director. He revealed that before becoming a part of B.R. Chopra's magnum opus, Pankaj Dheer worked behind the camera.

Khanna shared that Dheer started his journey in Bollywood by working as an assistant director on his first film, 'Roohi,' and his pay was only Rs 300 a month.

As Khanna recalled, Pankaj Dheer started from scratch, never complaining, always learning. The revelation highlighted Dheer’s inspiring rise from humble beginnings to television royalty, powered by sheer perseverance and love for the craft.

"Pankaj Dheer began his career as an assistant director on my first film 'Roohi,' earning just Rs 300 a month at the time," he said before adding, "I remember him working very honestly and energetically on set. His way of speaking was also very good; he spoke in a very stylized way."

He mentioned that Dheer's father had an association with the industry, but the late actor had to face his fair share of challenges.

"Although his father was also associated with the film industry, Pankaj has struggled in the industry. He faced many hardships," he mentioned.

Beyond Karna: A Career of Strength and Grace

While Mahabharat defined his legacy, Dheer’s career spanned far beyond the epic. He appeared in popular shows like Chandrakanta (Shivdutt) and numerous Hindi films, earning respect for his versatility and discipline. Sharing the screen with stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ajay Devgn, Dheer’s baritone and dignity made every role memorable, whether on television or in cinema.

Celebrities Bid Farewell

Dheer’s final journey in Mumbai witnessed many Bollywood and television stars coming together to pay their respects. Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Hema Malini, and several of his Mahabharat co-stars attended the cremation, consoling his son, actor Nikitin Dheer.

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Their presence was a testament to the admiration and love Pankaj Dheer commanded - a true star who rose from Rs 300 a month to everlasting fame.