'I am worshipped in Karna mandir': Pankaj Dheer speaks up on his 'Mahabharat' character's popularity

Pankaj Dheer who played the role of Karna in the late 80s 'Mahabharat' shared about the love he received for playing the iconic character.

Pankaj Dheer became a household name with his iconic character as Karna in the late 80s mythological show, Mahabharat. His role was lauded by many and many loved the way he portrayed the important role. Now during a recent interaction, Pankaj spoke at length about how the show is even relevant and most watched by people today.

Dheer stated, "This is one of the most beautifully written Granth. There are 26 relationships between people, and the Mahabharata tackles all the relationships that human beings know of. The most beautiful part of it is that this is the only Granth that teaches you what not to do. When it comes to Mahabharat the show, one should keep in mind that this was a great combination which got created. This was an assembly of great minds."

He also shared, "We had great writers like Pandit Narendra Sharma collaborating with Rahi Masoom Reza backed by BR Chopra and Ravi Chopra. Also, the casting was amazing. It was very peculiar. You cannot think of another Shakuni or Bheeshma or Krishna or Duryodhan. Even today when you watch it on COLORS, all the things that worked back in the day, are working. Mahabharat is a show that transcends all."

On being quizzed about the appreciation he received for playing Karna, Pankaj replied, "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 there is Puja 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."

The veteran actor concluded by stating, "There is an eight-feet tall statue of mine, and people come there and worship it. When I go there, people love me from the bottom of their hearts. This goes to show that they have accepted me as Karna. This becomes very difficult for others to play that role again. I have been offered a lot of roles in other versions of Mahabharat, but I refused it. I have played Karna and that is it for me. It is not about money. I can make money otherwise. But I don’t want to confuse my fans. It won’t be justice to my fans."