India, Oct. 15 -- Actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for playing the role of Karna in B.R. Chopra's 1988 TV series Mahabharat, has died. He was suffering from cancer. The actor, with his tall physique and powerful dialogue delivery, left an impression on all. But did you know that the actor had been first cast in the role of Arjun in the show, and later dropped out because of a peculiar reason?

In an interview with Lehren from 2023, Pankaj had shared the story behind his casting in the now-iconic show, and said, "Sabko laga ki main Arjun bohot achcha lagunga toh inhoney kaha aap Arjun ban jaiye. Haath milaya contract ban gayi. 2-3 mahine main Arjun banke ghumta raha, aur fir teesre mahine Chopra saab ne mujhe bulaya aur kaha ki baat ye hain ...