Mumbai, Oct. 16 -- Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who had become a household name for his iconic role as Karna in BR Chopra's epic TV series Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday, following his long battle with cancer.He was 68. He is survived by wife Anita Dheer, a costume designer, son Nikitin, daughter-in-law Kartika Sengar, both of whom are actors, and granddaughter Devika Dheer.

Actor Amit Behl, who had known Pankaj for over three decades, said: "He (Pankaj) was ailing about three years ago, but he had recovered. He was back to work. I spoke to him about four months ago, and he was sounding fine. But his death has come as a big shock. It's really sad".

Mourning the death of Pankaj Dheer, the Cine & TV Artistes Association and...