Praveen Kumar Sobti, born on December 6, 1947, in Sarhali Kalan, East Punjab, had a passion for sports from a young age. He represented India at the international level, earning acclaim for his athletic prowess. However, it was his iconic portrayal of ‘Bheem’ in BR Chopra’s epic television series Mahabharat that immortalized him in the annals of Indian television history. Decades later, his face remains synonymous with the character, and his legacy continues to resonate.
BSF Career And Rise In Athletics
Praveen completed his education in Amritsar before joining the Border Security Force (BSF) at the age of 20. His interest in sports flourished during his time in the BSF, where his towering physique and athletic talent were quickly recognized by his superiors. Encouraged to focus on discus and hammer throw, Praveen trained rigorously and began representing India in international competitions in the 1960s.
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Golden Achievements In Sports
In the 1966 Asian Games, Praveen won a gold medal in the discus throw and a bronze in hammer throw, a moment of immense pride for India. He defended his discus throw title in the 1970 Asian Games and secured a silver medal in the 1974 Asian Games. His athletic achievements extended to the Commonwealth Games, where he won a silver medal in the hammer throw in 1966. Praveen also represented India in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics, and in 1967, he was honored with the Arjuna Award for his outstanding contributions to Indian athletics.
Transition To Acting And Iconic Roles
After a stellar sports career, Praveen shifted to acting, debuting in the 1981 film Raksha alongside Jeetendra. He worked across Hindi, Telugu, Punjabi, and Tamil cinema, and collaborated with A-list actors like Amitabh Bachchan in Shahenshah. His portrayal of ‘Saaboo’ in Chacha Chaudhary and ‘Bheem’ in Mahabharat made him a household name. Despite his numerous roles, it was his performance as ‘Bheem’ that stood out, earning him immense recognition and adoration from audiences.
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Personal Life And Legacy
Praveen Kumar Sobti passed away on February 7, 2022, following a severe heart attack. He is survived by his two children, though he kept his family life private. Praveen’s legacy as both a sportsman and an actor remains indelible, with his portrayal of ‘Bheem’ continuing to be cherished by generations.
