Figure: Pankaj Dheer at Shomu Mitra’s birthday. He died on October 15, 2025. (Source: Wikipedia)
Roopa Ganguly, famed for her portrayal of Draupadi in the iconic television series Mahabharat (1988-1990), opened up about her late co-star Pankaj Dheer in an exclusive interview. She shared her heartfelt reaction upon hearing the news of his passing, which she learned from fellow actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Lord Krishna.
“I still can’t believe he is gone at this age. It’s heartbreaking,” Roopa expressed with visible emotion. She revealed that she was unaware of Pankaj’s battle with cancer. “We had exchanged messages about a year ago, but he never mentioned his illness,” she added, her voice breaking.
Recalling their time on the Mahabharat set, Roopa fondly described Pankaj as not only handsome but also a gentle and well-mannered individual. “After Nitish, he was the most handsome man around. I often teased him, calling him ‘my most handsome friend’. Unlike others who were playful, Pankaj was always reserved and soft-spoken,” she recalled.
Roopa also spoke about their recent interactions, mentioning that although they hadn’t met in person for several years, they kept in touch through messages whenever she visited Mumbai.
Beyond Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer gained popularity for his powerful role as Raja Shivdutt in the television series Chandrakanta (1994-1996). More recently, he appeared in several popular TV soaps, including Teen Bahuraaniyaan, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, Rang Badalti Odhani, and Sasural Simar Ka.
Roopa also touched on an amusing anecdote involving Pankaj’s iconic moustache, which he famously refused to shave despite pressure during the Mahabharat shoot. “I heard those stories, but since our characters were cast at different times, we never really discussed them,” she said with a smile.
Pankaj Dheer’s legacy as one of Indian television’s beloved actors endures, with fans and colleagues remembering his contributions fondly. His passing has left a deep void in the entertainment community.
Source : Wikipedia, The Indian Express, The Times of India
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