Praveen Kumar Sobti (6 December 1947 – 7 February 2022) was an Indian hammer and discus thrower, actor, politician, and soldier with Border Security Force (BSF). As a 20-year-old he joined then newly raised BSF where he attracted the attention of his officers through his fine athletic skills and went on to represent India at various athletic events in discus throw. As an athlete he won four medals at the Asian Games, including two gold medals, a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games and competed in two Olympics. As an actor, he starred in more than 50 Hindi films and played the famous character of Bhima in B.R. Chopra's television series Mahabharat that started in 1988. As a politician he contested the 2013 Delhi Legislative elections on an Aam Aadmi Party ticket, but lost.

Sports

Kumar was a star of Indian athletics in the 1960s and 1970s.The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Sports Tribune. Tribuneindia.com (24 May 2003). Retrieved on 30 June 2017. He dominated the Indian hammer and discus throws for several years. He won gold medals in the discus throw at the 1966 and 1970 Asian Games, holding the Asian Games record of 56.76 metres. He was a silver medalist in the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston and in the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran. He competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics and in the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Cinematic journey Praveen Kumar's debut film was Raksha, a James Bond style Bollywood movie starring Jeetendra with him playing a large henchman gorilla inspired by Jaws of The Spy Who Loved Me. He did similar role of Justin, a large henchman fighting against Jeetendra in Meri Awaz Suno.

Praveen Kumar earned national acclaim when he played the role "Bheem" in B R Chopra's popular mythological television serial Mahabharat, making him a household name.'Bheem' waiting for a special role. The Hindu (12 January 2009). He played the role of "Saaboo" in Chacha Chaudhary (the TV series) for a large number of episodes.

After the Mahabharata serial, he got many acting roles in Indian films, though he cut down on his acting career, in order to launch his political career in Haryana and Delhi.Corporation elections: It's Mahabharat on Delhi streets. Mid-day.com (13 April 2012). Retrieved on 30 June 2017.Pushpendra Singh Rajput (4 October 2011) Bhim of Mahabharat Serial Praveen Kumar Reached Mahavir Mandir, Faridabad. faridabadmetro.com He also acted in the famous comedy Tamil film Michael Madana Kama Rajan as a Body Guard.

Praveen Kumar was the actor to take the first blow of one of the most successful and famous punch dialogues of superstar Amitabh Bachchan, "Rishte Mein to Hum Tumhare Baap Hote hain, naam hai Shahenshah!" in Tinnu Anand's blockbuster Shahenshah. He played the semi-comedic role of the legendary "Mukhtar Singh", a drug dealer who later becomes a dairy owner, upon being beaten up by Shahenshah.

Politics

In 2013 Kumar joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).'Bheem' is AAP candidate for Wazirpur seat in Delhi poll, PTI New Delhi, 19 September 2013 He contested the Delhi assembly elections from the Wazirpur constituency on an AAP ticket, but lost. The next year, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Death

Praveen died from a heart attack in New Delhi on the night of 7 February 2022, at the age of 74.

Filmography Hindi films Year Film Role Notes1981 Raksha Gorilla Meri Aawaz Suno Justin 1982 Ghazab Henchman1983 Humse Na Jeeta Koi Smuggler Lobo Hum Se Hai Zamana Killer 1984 Lorie Goon Raaj TilakDaku Lashkar Singh Hum Hain Lajawab Henchman Jagir Django D'costa 1985 Karishma Kudrat Kaa Zorawar Yudh Xaca Zabardast Goon Aakhir Kyon? Goon Maha Shaktimaan Goon 1986 Singhasan Kaal Bhairav Manav Hatya Chambal Ka Baadshah Daaku Adhikar Goon Avinash Street Goon Raat Ke Baad Zingagani 1987 Naam O Nishan Raaka Khudgarz Giant at Sports Club Loha Henchman Hukumat Goon Dak Bangla Ozo / Mummy Diljalaa Security Guard of girls hostel Tera Karam Mera Dharam Goon 1988 Shahenshah Mukhtaar Singh Mohabbat Ke Dushman Contract Killer Commando Henchman Maalamaal Jallad Singh Agnee Chief of the natives Bees Saal Baad Goon Pyaar Mohabbat Street Goon Dukh-Dard Henchman 1989 Santosh Kundan's Henchman Mitti Aur Sona Shingho Ilaaka Prisoner – Nagar's Henchman Shehzaade Street Gambler Meri Zabaan Wrestler Lahu Ki AwazKiller Elaan-E-Jung Kala Naag's Henchman 1990 Atishbaz Kewal & Shamsher's Goon Ghayal Bheem Ji Guest Role Aaj Ka Arjun Thakur's Henchman Kali Ganga Hukumchand's Henchman Sher Dil Ranjeet's Henchman Naaka Bandi Henchman Aag aur Angaray Street Goon 1991KohraamBabbar Sher Shankara Goga Ajooba Vazir's Henchman 1992 Panaah Bheem Humlaa Sher Khan Waqt Ka Badshah Goon 1994 Beta Ho To Aisa Ranjith 1996 Jaan Goon Ajay Tiwari 1997 Suryaputra Shanidev Hanuman 1998 Sham Ghansham Goon Train to Pakistan Goon 2013 Mahabharat Aur Barbareek Bhima

Other language films Year Film RoleLanguage Notes1982Pralaya RudruduBearhugTelugu1986 Bhulekha Moti Punjabi1989 Raja Chinna Roja Eye Patch Henchman Tamil1990 Michael Madana Kama Rajan Bheem 1994 Kishkinda Kanda Truck Driver Telugu 1996 Indian Knight KingTamil Special apperance in the song "maya maschindra"

Television Year Film Role Language Notes 1988 Mahabharat Bhima Hindi 1997 Mahabharat Katha

References

External links