THIS is how Pankaj Dheer’s ‘Moustache’ helped him bag the role of Karan in ‘Mahabharat’

In a tragic turn of events, one of India’s beloved artists, who played the iconic role of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’, passed away following his battle with cancer. The 68-year-old star played several roles in his career span, but his work as Karan in ‘Mahabharat’ holds a special place, not just for the fans but for the actor himself.

The late actor once shared that getting the role of Karan was his destiny, and his ‘moustache’ played a major role in it.

Pankaj Dheer initially auditioned for Arjun

In an old interview with Lehren Retro, Pankaj Dheer talked about how he ended up getting the role of ‘Karan’. However, did you know he actually auditioned for the role of Arjun initially? Pankaj Dheer revealed he was almost finalised for the role of Arjun when he auditioned in front of Rahi Masoom Raza, Bhring Tupkari Sahab and Pandit Narendra Sharma. He even signed the contract, but then he was told he would have to shave off his moustache.

Dheer refused to do it outright, saying he would not look good at all without it. This didn’t go down well with B.R. Chopra. Pankaj Deer shared, "6 mahine tak main ghoomta raha, contract phaad diya gaya (I kept circling for the role for 6 months, my contract was torn).”

How Pankaj Dheer’s ‘Moustache’ helped him get the role of Karan in ‘Mahabarat’

However, things took a turn for the better when B.R. Chopra gave him a call again. According to Dheer, it was ‘destiny.’Pankaj was told that he is being considered for the role of Arjun's arch-nemesis-turned-brother, Karna, in Mahabharat. The actor's only question was, “Sir, I will not have to get rid of the moustache?” and as soon as B.R. Chopra confirmed that he would not have to shave, the actor was ready to accept the offer.The rest is history, created by Pankaj Dheer, along with the rest of the cast of ‘Mahabharat’ and B.R. Chopra.