Veteran actress Roopa Ganguly, widely recognized for her iconic portrayal of Draupadi in the classic television series ‘Mahabharat,’ has expressed profound sadness and disbelief following the news of her co-star Pankaj Dheer’s passing. Dheer, who brought the character of Karna to life, died on October 15, 2025, after a challenging battle with cancer. Ganguly described Dheer as a gentleman of great character, remembering him as ‘my most handsome friend.’
Receiving the news from fellow ‘Mahabharat’ cast member Nitish Bharadwaj, Ganguly was visibly shaken. She shared in an emotional conversation that she couldn’t fathom Dheer leaving them at this stage in his life. Despite sporadic contact through text messages up until a year prior, she was unaware of the extent of his illness, a revelation that deeply affected her.
Recalling their time on the ‘Mahabharat’ set, Ganguly painted a picture of Dheer as a dignified and reserved individual. She fondly remembered him as one of the most handsome men on set, a compliment she often shared with him via text. Unlike some of the more boisterous cast members, Dheer maintained a quiet presence, embodying a soft-spoken and well-mannered persona. Ganguly, who has had a distinguished career spanning numerous acclaimed films and television projects, including ‘Barfi!’ and ‘Raghu Dakat,’ feels the loss of a respected colleague and friend.
