Pankaj Dheer passes away, the man who turned down this role and became Karna

Actor Pankaj Dheer, who immortalized the role of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s iconic 1988 TV series Mahabharat, passed away after a battle with cancer. With his commanding presence and powerful dialogue delivery, Dheer became the face of the noble warrior for generations of viewers. However, few know that the actor was originally cast as Arjun, not Karna and lost the role over a surprising reason.

‘I Refused to Shave My Moustache’

In a 2023 interview with Lehren, Pankaj Dheer revealed that he had first been offered Arjun’s role and even signed a contract. “For two to three months, I was preparing to play Arjun,” he recalled. “Then Chopra saab told me that for the Brihannala disguise, I’d have to shave my moustache. I refused. Everyone was shocked, but I stood firm.”

The decision cost him dearly, he was dropped from the show for nearly six months. “It was my bewakoofi (foolishness),” he admitted later with a smile.

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Destiny Had Other Plans

Months later, destiny came calling again when B.R. Chopra offered him the role of Karna. “I asked, ‘Mooch toh nahi katni hogi?’ He said no. I immediately agreed,” Dheer had said, calling it fate’s gift.

His portrayal of Karna made him an overnight sensation, leading to film roles in Sadak, Sanam Bewafa, and Aashik Awara.

A Legacy That Lives On

Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son Nikitin Dheer. His journey from a missed role to an immortal one truly proves some roles are written by destiny itself.