When Archana Puran Singh and Pankaj Dheer gave India nightmares in famous horror show

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his iconic role as Karna in B.R. Chopra’s epic television series Mahabharat, has passed away at the age of 68. As reported by ANI, while the exact cause of his death remains unclear, media sources suggest that the actor had been battling cancer for an extended period.

Tributes from Co-stars and Fans

Arjun Feroz Khan, who portrayed Arjuna alongside Dheer in Mahabharat, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, remembering his co-star with affection. He shared an old photograph with Dheer and expressed deep sorrow at his passing, calling him a true gentleman who will be greatly missed.

Beyond Mahabharat: The Unforgettable ‘Dastak’ Episode

Though Mahabharat made him a household name, Dheer also left an indelible mark on Indian television through his chilling performance in Zee Horror Show’s 1990s episode 'Dastak.' In this two-part story, he played Monty, a man tormented by the ghost of his murdered wife, Julie, portrayed by Archana Puran Singh.


The episode’s haunting visuals—particularly the infamous dinner scene where Archana’s severed head appears on a plate, laughing eerily at Monty's second wife (played to perfection by Shagufta Ali)—remain etched in the memories of horror fans. What once terrified audiences has since become a pop-culture reference and meme favorite.

This episode singlehandedly made the horror show a roaring success among horror fans. It remained one of the highest rated episodes from the show.

A Tale of Betrayal and Revenge

First aired in 1993, 'Dastak' told the story of Monty, a man who kills his physically disabled wife to claim her wealth and be with another woman. However, his wife’s spirit returns from the grave seeking vengeance, turning his life into a nightmare. The episode also starred Sameer Kakkar, Narendranath Malhotra, Mac Mohan, and Sudhir, all of whom contributed to the gripping supernatural thriller that still resonates with viewers today.