Pankaj Dheer's 'Karna' Role Trivia: Two Temples Build In India, Hit By Arrow Near His Eyes On Sets

Pankaj Dheer lost his life after a long fight with cancer on October 15, 2025. The veteran actor was best known for his role as 'Karna' in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, which featured Mukesh Khanna, Nitish Bharadwaj, Puneet Issar, Pradeep Kumar, Gajendra Chauhan, Gufi Paintal, and Arjun Firoz Khan in the epic series. Fans of Pankaj have grown up watching his role as 'Karna' and the Mahabharat had created history, all due to his stellar role. Mahabharat was one of the top shows of all times, and 'Karna's character is still in the core memory of fans.

Fans have always had a special connection with Pankaj Dheer, all because of the role he played as 'Karna', the son of Kunti. Well, each character from the Mahabharat received a lot of love and appreciation from the fans. Pankaj gained overnight fame with the warrior role of 'Karna'. However, here are some interesting trivia related to Pankaj's role as 'Karna' that gave him immense appreciation and love.

Pankaj Dheer is worshipped in two temples in India, where 'Karna' was worshipped

There are two temples in India, according to a report by DNA, where 'Karna' is worshipped: one in Karnal and another in Bastar. Pankaj shared in an interview with the DNA how people used to greet him with both love and devotion. There is also an 8-foot-tall statue installed, and people are known to worship the same.

Pankaj Dheer didn't have many resources to play the role of 'Karna'

Pankaj had once shared how he did not have many solid resources to prepare for the role of 'Karna' in BR Chopra's Mahabharat. Before he had created the epic saga, a two-hour movie had already been made on the epic tale, and 'Karna's mention was not much. However, it did not stop Pankaj from playing the iconic role. He did see his sensitive side to bring full life to 'Karna'.

Pankaj Dheer's image of 'Karna' was used in textbooks

Most of Pankaj's scenes were with 'Duryodhana' and 'Shakuni', who themselves were dramatic characters. For the actor, maintaining his presence among them was challenging. However, he established his identity by showing that there were books that published Pankaj's snaps as 'Karna', the brave warrior. Pankaj had said many times in the past that after Mahabharat, he had got many roles to play, but he refused them. He had shared how it was never about the money, as he could earn it anytime, but always about the trust people had in 'Karna' of the Mahabharat. Earlier, in an interview with the DNA, he shared:

“People have loved me and adored me over the years. It goes to show that I have merited it. Even in the history books of school, if they have a reference to Karna, they have my picture there. So, as long as these books will be printed in school, I will always be their reference as Karna. I also have two temples where a Puja is done every day. I am worshipped there in Karna mandir. I have been to those temples. One is in Karnal, and one is in Bastar.”

Pankaj Dheer had to reportedly undergo eye surgery after being hit by an arrow on the sets of Mahabharat

Pankaj, according to a report by Koimoi, had to undergo an eye operation as he was shot by an arrow on the sets of BR Chopra's Mahabharat. Pankaj, despite the injury, never wanted to do injustice to his character or hurt the sentiments of his fans. There was another time when the actor had a near-death experience. He was shooting for a sequence of the serial in Rajasthan's scorching sun. Pankaj was on a chariot and was running in the location when the chariot broke down in the middle, and the horses ran everywhere. Pankaj had to save his life and so made a spontaneous decision to jump out of the chariot and then save his life.

What are your views on Pankaj Dheer's 'Karna' related trivia?

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