From Pankaj Dheer to Gufi Paintal, several stars of B.R. Chopra’s legendary TV series Mahabharat have left this world, while a few others have slipped into obscurity. The show remains one of the greatest milestones in Indian television history, with every character leaving a lasting impression on the audience. However, 37 years later, many of its faces are no longer among us — some succumbed to illness, some passed away in loneliness, and a few are now living far from the limelight.
1. ‘Karna’ – Pankaj Dheer (Passed Away in 2025 due to Cancer)
Actor Pankaj Dheer, who played the noble warrior Karna, passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 68 after battling cancer for years. His portrayal of Karna won millions of hearts, and his popularity was such that temples dedicated to his character were built in Karnal and Bastar, where people even worshipped his idol.
2. ‘Shakuni Mama’ – Gufi Paintal (Died in 2023)
The brilliant Gufi Paintal, who immortalized the cunning Shakuni Mama, passed away in 2023 due to heart and kidney ailments. Besides acting, he was casting director of the show. His death was a great loss to the entertainment industry.
3. ‘Indra Dev’ – Satish Kaul (Tragic Death in an Old Age Home)
Once a superstar of Punjabi cinema, Satish Kaul played Lord Indra in Mahabharat. His final years, however, were heartbreaking — abandoned by his wife and family, he lived alone in an old age home, struggling even to afford medicines.
4. ‘Kansa’ – Goga Kapoor (Died in 2011)
Famous Bollywood villain Goga Kapoor, who portrayed Kansa, passed away in 2011 after battling multiple illnesses. He was 70. His deep voice and powerful dialogue delivery are still remembered fondly by fans.
5. ‘Bheem’ – Praveen Kumar Sobti (Died of Heart Attack in 2022)
Former athlete and actor Praveen Kumar Sobti, known for his iconic role as Bheem, died of a heart attack in 2022 at age 74. A national-level sportsman who won medals for India, he later turned to acting. Long-term spinal issues and health complications led to his demise.
6. ‘Kripacharya’ – Dharmesh Tiwari and ‘Vidur’ – Virendra Razdan
Both Dharmesh Tiwari, who played Kripacharya (passed away in 2014), and Virendra Razdan, who portrayed Vidur (passed away in 2003), were deeply respected for their performances. Their dedication and gravitas made their characters unforgettable.
7. ‘Nand’ – Rasik Dave (Died in 2022 due to Kidney Failure)
Actor Rasik Dave, who played Nand, died in 2022 from kidney failure. He was the husband of actress Ketki Dave and the son-in-law of veteran star Sarita Joshi. Active in both television and theatre, Rasik was known for his strong performances and kind nature.
8. ‘Veda Vyasa’ – Rajesh Vivek (Died in 2016)
Known for his roles in Lagaan and Swades, Rajesh Vivek played Ved Vyasa in Mahabharat. He died of a heart attack in 2016 at the age of 66. His calm, wise demeanor in the show left a deep impression on audiences.
9. ‘Shakuntala’ – Ashalata Wabgaonkar (Died of COVID-19 in 2020)
Veteran actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar, who played Shakuntala, passed away in 2020 after contracting COVID-19 during the shooting of a Marathi TV serial. She was 79 years old.
10. Forgotten Faces – ‘Kunti’, ‘Nakul’, ‘Sahadev’ and Others
Many Mahabharat stars, including Nazneen (Kunti), Roma Manek, Chandni Sharma, Sameer Chitre, and Sanjeev Chitre, have long faded from public memory. Interestingly, Mayur, who played Abhimanyu, now lives in the UK, where he runs his own restaurant chain.
The Legacy Lives On
Though many of these actors are no longer with us, their unforgettable performances in Mahabharat continue to live on in the hearts of millions. The timeless show not only entertained but also taught generations the values of duty, honor, and righteousness — just as its cast became legends in their own right.
