New Delhi: Famous actor Pankaj Dheer, who played the iconic role of Karna in BR Chopra’s famous mythological show Mahabharata, breathed his last on Wednesday. India Today reported that Pankaj was battling cancer for some time and it recurred a few months ago, affecting his health. Besides, he had also undergone major surgery related to this but fell victim to the disease He was 68 years old on October 15, 2025.
Also read: Pankaj Dheer passes away: Mahabharata’s Karna and popular actor suffering from cancer, passes away at the age of 68
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His family, friends and fans mourned the demise of the renowned actor, who appeared in many hit TV shows like Chandrakanta, The Great Maratha, Yug and Badho Bahu, besides starring in films like Sadak, Soldier and Badshah to name a few.
What do oncologists say about cancer recurrence?
One of the toughest realities we face in oncology is cancer recurrence. Even after successful treatment, sometimes a small number of cancer cells may remain dormant in the body. These cells may become active again after months or years, leading to recurrence. Recognizing early warning signs is important to improve outcomes. Patients should be monitored for symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, new pain or swelling at the original cancer site, prolonged cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, or return of previous symptoms. Any unusual or persistent changes should be immediately discussed with the treating oncologist Dr Minish Jain, Director of Medical Oncology Ruby Hall Clinic Pune.
Also read: Trending: Mahabharata’s ‘Karna’ aka Pankaj Dheer shares trivia about the epic show
Preventing or managing recurrence requires vigilance and discipline. Regular follow-up, timely scans and blood tests are important to detect recurrence early when it is still treatable. Along with medical monitoring, adopting a healthy lifestyle plays an important role – maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and managing stress effectively all contribute to stronger immunity.
Mental well-being is equally important. Fear of recurrence is natural, but staying optimistic, getting emotional support and staying connected with life can make a significant difference. Today, with advances in cancer care, recurrence can also be successfully managed with the right approach.
Pankaj Dheer’s funeral
An official statement was released by CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes Association) on Wednesday, confirming the news of Dheer’s demise: “With deep sorrow, we inform you of the demise of Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, former President of our Trust and former Honorable General Secretary of CINTAA, on 15th October 2025. His last rites will be performed today at 4:30 pm next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle Will go. (W), Mumbai.”