Pankaj Dheer’s Passing: Remembering the Mahabharat Legend and His Roots at St. Theresa’s High School, Bandra

On 15th October 2025, India lost one of its most dignified screen presences — Pankaj Dheer, the actor immortalized as Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat. He passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that shaped an entire generation of television storytelling.

But beyond the spotlight, Dheer’s story begins somewhere quieter — the classrooms of St. Theresa’s High School, Bandra, a Mumbai institution that has nurtured some of India’s most creative voices across film, dance, and theatre.

The Bandra Connection: Where Artists Were Born

St. Theresa’s High School isn’t just another old Bandra landmark — it’s a cultural incubator. From the 1970s onward, it produced names that would go on to redefine Indian entertainment:

• Ashutosh Gowariker — Director of Lagaan, Swades, and Jodhaa Akbar, bringing India its first Oscar nomination in decades.

• Terrence Lewis — One of India’s most respected contemporary dance choreographers and television personalities.

• Javed Jaffrey — Actor, comedian, and pop-culture icon who redefined Indian humor and stage performance.

• Pankaj Dheer — The actor whose portrayal of Karna made him a moral archetype for Indian audiences.

When the school hosted its first-ever all-batch reunion on 28th December 2024, Dheer joined his fellow Theresians on stage alongside filmmaker Gowariker and former teacher Mr. Morrais. The event wasn’t just nostalgia — it was a living archive of India’s cultural evolution through the lens of one school.

The Man Who Made Karna Immortal

For millions, Pankaj Dheer was Karna — the tragic warrior torn between destiny and dharma in Mahabharat (1988). His calm intensity, expressive eyes, and regal restraint turned a mythological character into a deeply human story of loyalty, pain, and pride.

In the pre-internet era, when family TV time meant sacred storytelling, Dheer’s performance helped make Mahabharat a national ritual. Even decades later, his portrayal remains one of the most respected in Indian television history.

Beyond the screen, he carried his craft into mentorship — founding Stardom Acting School, where he trained aspiring artists, including his son Nikitin Dheer (Chennai Express, Shershaah).

A Legacy Rooted in Discipline and Art

Dheer’s journey from St. Theresa’s corridors to Indian television’s mythic pantheon reflects the school’s unique ethos — one that values performance, discipline, and character as much as academics.

Friends recall him speaking with deep affection for his alma mater, saying that his sense of commitment and humility was born there. It’s a sentiment many Theresians share — whether they’re directors, dancers, or dreamers.

Farewell to a Gentleman Actor

On 15th October 2025, tributes poured in across film and television circles. Co-stars, directors, and fans alike remembered him as a soft-spoken professional who elevated every role with dignity.

His passing marks not just the end of an era but a reminder that Indian entertainment’s golden foundation was built by artists who balanced fame with grace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Pankaj Dheer?

Pankaj Dheer was a veteran Indian actor best known for portraying Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988). With a career spanning film, television, and theatre, he became one of the most respected faces in Indian entertainment.

2. When did Pankaj Dheer pass away?

He passed away on 15th October 2025 at the age of 65. His cremation took place at Pawan Hans, Vile Parle, Mumbai.

3. What is Pankaj Dheer’s connection to St. Theresa’s High School, Bandra?

Pankaj Dheer was an alumnus of St. Theresa’s High School, Bandra, a prestigious Mumbai institution that also produced artists like Ashutosh Gowariker, Terrence Lewis, and Javed Jaffrey. He attended the school’s first-ever all-batch reunion in December 2024.

4. What were Pankaj Dheer’s other major works?

Apart from Mahabharat, he appeared in films such as Tahalka, Saugandh, Soldier, and TV shows like Chandrakanta and Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan. He also directed and mentored actors through his acting academy.

5. What is the legacy of St. Theresa’s High School in the entertainment world?

St. Theresa’s High School, Bandra, has been a cradle for creativity, known for producing influential figures in Bollywood, television, and performing arts — a legacy continued through its thriving alumni network.