Discover Why This Actor Turned Down the Role of Arjuna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat and Who He Played Instead
Pankaj Dheer, a prominent figure in Indian television, recently passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. He was widely recognized for his significant role as Karna in B.R. Chopra’s iconic series, Mahabharat. However, fewer people know that Dheer was originally offered the role of Arjuna, which he turned down due to personal reasons.
Why Pankaj Dheer Turned Down the Role of Arjuna in Mahabharat
In a revealing interview, Dheer shared that he was excited to audition for the character of Arjuna. The show’s esteemed dialogue writers, including Rahi Masoom Raza, Bhring Tupkari, and Pandit Narendra Sharma, believed he would be a perfect fit for the role. After initial discussions, they reached an agreement, and Dheer even signed the contract.
However, a major obstacle arose when producer B.R. Chopra informed Dheer that to portray Arjuna, he would also need to embrace the character of Brihannala during Arjuna’s exile, which required him to shave off his moustache. Dheer was not willing to compromise, stating, “I can’t do that. My face just wouldn’t look right without it.” Chopra, bewildered by Dheer’s decision, responded, “Are you an actor or not? You’re turning down such a significant role over a moustache?” This disagreement led to Dheer being expelled from the meeting, with his contract being torn up by Chopra, who urged him to leave and not return.
The Unexpected Turn of Events
After being rejected, Dheer spent six months working on various dubbing projects, reflecting on his rash decision. Fate intervened when B.R. Chopra faced challenges in casting for the role of Karna, the son of Surya and Kunti. He decided to reach out to Dheer again.
When Chopra offered Dheer the role of Karna, the actor was understandably cautious. Dheer inquired, “Sir, I don’t have to shave off my moustache, right?” Upon receiving reassurance from Chopra, Dheer felt as though destiny had played a hand in guiding him to this role.
Pankaj Dheer’s Legacy as Karna
Ultimately, Pankaj Dheer’s portrayal of Karna became a landmark performance in Indian television, showcasing his talent and dedication. Despite the tumultuous journey to this role, Dheer’s character resonated with audiences, cementing his place in the annals of Indian television history.
- Full Name: Pankaj Dheer
- Date of Birth: 1957
- Date of Passing: October 15, 2025
- Role Turned Down: Arjuna
- Final Role: Karna
- Reason for Rejection: Removal of moustache
Dheer’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of actors in the industry. His journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fate and the opportunities that may arise from unexpected paths.
