Praveen Kumar Sobti: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Indian discus thrower, hammer thrower and actor}}
{{short description|Indian hammer and discus thrower, and actor (1947–2022)}}
{{For|other individuals with the same name|Praveen Kumar (disambiguation)}}
{{For|other athletes with the same name|Praveen Kumar (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox sportsperson
{{Infobox sportsperson
| name = Praveen Kumar
| name = Praveen Kumar Sobti
| image = Praveen Kumar 1974.jpg
| image = Praveen Kumar 1974.jpg
| image_size = 230px
| image_size = 230px
Line 10: Line 10:
| pseudonym =  
| pseudonym =  
| birth_name = Praveen Kumar Sobti
| birth_name = Praveen Kumar Sobti
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1947|12|06}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1947|12|06|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Sarhali Kalan]], [[Punjab, India]]
| birth_place = Sarhali, Punjab, India
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|02|07|1947|12|06|df=yes}}
| death_place = New Delhi, India
| sport = [[Sport of athletics|Athletics]]
| sport = [[Sport of athletics|Athletics]]
| event = [[Discus throw]], [[Hammer throw]]
| event = [[Discus throw]], [[Hammer throw]]
| height = 6 ft 7 in
| weight = 125 kg
| pb = DT – 56.74 m (1973)<br>HT – 65.76 m (1969)<ref name=sref/>
| pb = DT – 56.74 m (1973)<br>HT – 65.76 m (1969)<ref name=sref/>
| club =  
| club =  
| alma_mater =  
| alma_mater =
| retired =  
| retired =  
| height =
| weight =
| olympics =  
| olympics =  
| highestranking =  
| highestranking =  
| show-medals = yes
| show-medals = yes
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry |  {{IND}} }}
| medaltemplates =  
{{MedalSport|Men's [[Sport of athletics|athletics]]}}
{{MedalCountry |  {{IND}} }}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Asian Games]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Asian Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[1966 Asian Games|1966 Bangkok]]|[[Athletics at the 1966 Asian Games|Discus throw]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[1966 Asian Games|1966 Bangkok]]|[[Athletics at the 1966 Asian Games|Discus throw]]}}
{{MedalBronze|[[1966 Asian Games|1966 Bangkok]]|[[Athletics at the 1966 Asian Games|Hammer throw]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[1970 Asian Games|1970 Bangkok]]|[[Athletics at the 1970 Asian Games|Discus throw]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[1970 Asian Games|1970 Bangkok]]|[[Athletics at the 1970 Asian Games|Discus throw]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[1974 Asian Games|1974 Tehran]]|[[Athletics at the 1974 Asian Games|Discus throw]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[1974 Asian Games|1974 Tehran]]|[[Athletics at the 1974 Asian Games|Discus throw]]}}
{{MedalBronze|1966 Bangkok|[[Athletics at the 1966 Asian Games|Hammer throw]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Asian Athletics Championships|Asian Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[1975 Asian Athletics Championships|1975 Seoul]]|Discus throw}}
{{MedalSilver|[[1973 Asian Athletics Championships|1973 Marikina]]|Discus throw}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games|1966 Kingston]]|[[Athletics at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games|Hammer throw]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games|1966 Kingston]]|[[Athletics at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games|Hammer throw]]}}
}}
}}


'''Praveen Kumar Sobti''' (born 6 December 1947)<ref name=sref/> is an Indian [[Hammer throw|hammer]] and [[discus throw]]er, film actor, and politician. As an [[athlete]] he won four medals at the [[Asian Games]], including two gold medals, won a silver medal in the [[Commonwealth Games]] and competed in two [[Olympics]]. As an actor, he starred in more than 50 [[Hindi film]]s and played the famous character of "[[Bhima|Bheem]]" in [[Baldev Raj Chopra|B.R. Chopra's]] television series ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'' that started in 1988. As a politician he contested the 2013 [[Delhi]] Legislative [[elections]] on an [[Aam Aadmi Party]] ticket, but lost. Subsequently, in 2014, he joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].
'''Praveen Kumar Sobti''' (6 December 1947 &ndash; 7 February 2022)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-02-08|title=Praveen Kumar Sobti, aka Bheem in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, Passes Away at 74|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/praveen-kumar-sobti-aka-bheem-in-br-chopras-mahabharat-passes-away-at-74-4747334.html|access-date=2022-02-08|website=News18|language=en}}</ref> was an Indian [[Hammer throw|hammer]] and [[discus throw]]er, 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 film]]s and played the famous character of [[Bhima]] in [[Baldev Raj Chopra|B.R. Chopra's]] television series ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV 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==
==Sports==
[[File:Praveen Kumar, Jalal Keshmiri and Salman Hesam 1974.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Kumar (left) at the 1974 Asian Games]]
[[File:Praveen Kumar, Jalal Keshmiri and Salman Hesam 1974.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Kumar (left) at the 1974 Asian Games]]
Kumar was a star of Indian athletics in the 1960s and the 1970s.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030524/spr-trib.htm The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Sports Tribune]. Tribuneindia.com (24 May 2003). Retrieved on 30 June 2017.</ref> 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]].<ref name=sref>{{cite web|title=Praveen Kumar |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ku/praveen-kumar-1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418082435/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ku/praveen-kumar-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2020 |publisher=sports-reference|access-date=19 May 2012}}</ref>
Kumar was a star of Indian athletics in the 1960s and 1970s.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030524/spr-trib.htm The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Sports Tribune]. Tribuneindia.com (24 May 2003). Retrieved on 30 June 2017.</ref> 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]].<ref name=sref>{{cite web|title=Praveen Kumar |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ku/praveen-kumar-1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418082435/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ku/praveen-kumar-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2020 |publisher=sports-reference|access-date=19 May 2012}}</ref>


==Acting==
==Cinematic journey==
Praveen Kumar's debut film was [[Raksha (1982 film)|Raksha]], a James Bond style Indian movie starring [[Jeetendra]] with him playing a large henchman Gorilla inspired by [[Jaws (James Bond)|Jaws]] of [[The Spy Who Loved Me (film)|The Spy Who Loved Me]]. He did similar role of large henchman Justin fighting against Jeetendra in [[Meri Awaz Suno]].
Praveen Kumar's debut film was [[Raksha (1982 film)|Raksha]], a [[James Bond]] style Bollywood movie starring [[Jeetendra]] with him playing a large henchman gorilla inspired by [[Jaws (James Bond)|Jaws]] of [[The Spy Who Loved Me (film)|The Spy Who Loved Me]]. He did similar role of Justin, a large henchman fighting against Jeetendra in [[Meri Awaz Suno]].


Praveen Kumar earned international acclaim when he played the role "Bheem"<ref>[http://divdivyaa23.blogspot.in/2012/01/interview-of-actor-praveen-kumar-who.html Interview of actor Praveen Kumar who played the character of Bheem in TV serial Mahabharat]. blogspot.in (3 January 2012)</ref> in [[B R Chopra]]'s popular mythological tele serial ''[[Mahabharata]]'', making him a household name.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/article372906.ece 'Bheem' waiting for a special role]. ''The Hindu'' (12 January 2009).</ref>
Praveen Kumar earned national acclaim when he played the role "[[Bhima|Bheem]]" in [[B R Chopra]]'s popular mythological television serial ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'', making him a household name.<ref name=":0" /><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/article372906.ece 'Bheem' waiting for a special role]. ''The Hindu'' (12 January 2009).</ref> He played the role of "Saaboo" in [[Chacha Chaudhary (2002 TV series)|Chacha Chaudhary]] (the TV series) for a large number of episodes.
Praveen Kumar also played the role of "Saaboo" in [[Chacha Chaudhary (2002 TV series)|Chacha Chaudhary]] (the T.V. series) for a large number of episodes .
After the ''Mahabharata'' serial, Praveen Kumar got many acting roles in Hindi and regional films, though he is cutting down on his acting career, in able to launch his political career in Haryana and Delhi.<ref>[http://www.mid-day.com/news/2012/apr/130412-Its-mahabharat-on-Delhi-streets.htm Corporation elections: It's Mahabharat on Delhi streets]. Mid-day.com (13 April 2012). Retrieved on 30 June 2017.</ref><ref>Pushpendra Singh Rajput (4 October 2011) [https://web.archive.org/web/20111008021555/http://faridabadmetro.com/2011/10/04/bhim-of-mahabharat-serial-praveen-kumar-reached-mahavir-mandir-faridabad/ Bhim of Mahabharat Serial Praveen Kumar Reached Mahavir Mandir, Faridabad]. faridabadmetro.com</ref>


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 (1988 film)|Shahenshah]]. Praveen Kumar 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.
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.<ref>[http://www.mid-day.com/news/2012/apr/130412-Its-mahabharat-on-Delhi-streets.htm Corporation elections: It's Mahabharat on Delhi streets]. Mid-day.com (13 April 2012). Retrieved on 30 June 2017.</ref><ref>Pushpendra Singh Rajput (4 October 2011) [https://web.archive.org/web/20111008021555/http://faridabadmetro.com/2011/10/04/bhim-of-mahabharat-serial-praveen-kumar-reached-mahavir-mandir-faridabad/ Bhim of Mahabharat Serial Praveen Kumar Reached Mahavir Mandir, Faridabad]. faridabadmetro.com</ref> He also acted in the famous comedy [[Tamil language|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 (1988 film)|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==
==Politics==


In 2013 Kumar joined the [[Aam Aadmi Party]] (AAP).<ref>[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aap-aam-aadmi-party-bheem-mahabharatm-delhi-assembly-electons-praveen-kumar/1/310575.html 'Bheem' is AAP candidate for Wazirpur seat in Delhi poll], PTI New Delhi, 19 September 2013</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/bjp-like-pandavas-opposition-kauravas-bheem/article5870503.ece | title = BJP like Pandavas, Opposition Kauravas: "Bheem"  | date = 4 April 2014 | newspaper = The Hindu }}</ref>
In 2013 Kumar joined the [[Aam Aadmi Party]] (AAP).<ref>[https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/aap-aam-aadmi-party-bheem-mahabharatm-delhi-assembly-electons-praveen-kumar-211539-2013-09-18 'Bheem' is AAP candidate for Wazirpur seat in Delhi poll], PTI New Delhi, 19 September 2013</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/bjp-like-pandavas-opposition-kauravas-bheem/article5870503.ece | title = BJP like Pandavas, Opposition Kauravas: "Bheem"  | date = 4 April 2014 | newspaper = The Hindu }}</ref>
 
== Death ==
 
Praveen died from a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]] in New Delhi on the night of 7 February 2022, at the age of 74.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tv/actor-praveen-kumar-sobti-known-as-mahabharat-s-bheem-dies-of-heart-attack-101644294260471.html#:~:text=Athlete%2Dturned%20actor%20Praveen%20Kumar,after%20suffering%20a%20heart%20attack.&text=He%20passed%20away%20between%2010,relative%20of%20Praveen%20told%20PTI.|title=Actor Praveen Kumar Sobti, known as Mahabharat's Bheem, dies of heart attack|publisher=The Hindustan Times|accessdate=7 February 2022|date=7 February 2022}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
===Hindi films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
Line 60: Line 72:
! class="unsortable" | Notes
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1981 || [[Raksha (1982 film)|Raksha]] || Gorilla ||
| rowspan="2"|1981 || ''[[Raksha (1982 film)|Raksha]]'' || Gorilla ||
|-
|-
| [[Meri Aawaz Suno]] || Justin ||
| ''[[Meri Aawaz Suno]]'' || Justin ||
|-
|-
| 1982 || [[Ghazab]] || Henchman ||
| 1982 || ''[[Ghazab]]'' || Henchman||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1983 || [[Humse Na Jeeta Koi]] || Smuggler Lobo ||
| rowspan="2"|1983 || ''Humse Na Jeeta Koi'' || Smuggler Lobo ||
|-
|-
| [[Hum Se Hai Zamana]] || Killer ||  
| ''[[Hum Se Hai Zamana]]'' || Killer ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" |1984 || Lorie || Goon ||
| rowspan="4" |1984 || ''Lorie''|| Goon ||
|-
|-
|''Raaj Tilak''
| ''Raaj Tilak''
|Daku Lashkar Singh
|Daku Lashkar Singh
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Hum Hain Lajawab (1984 film)|Hum Hain Lajawab]] || Henchman ||  
| ''[[Hum Hain Lajawab (1984 film)|Hum Hain Lajawab]]'' || Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Jagir (1984 film)|Jagir]] || Django D'costa ||  
| ''[[Jagir (1984 film)|Jagir]]'' || Django D'costa ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="5"|1985 || [[Karishma Kudrat Kaa]] || Zorawar ||
| rowspan="5"|1985 || ''[[Karishma Kudrat Kaa]]'' || Zorawar ||
|-
|-
| [[Yudh (film)|Yudh]] || Xaca ||  
| ''[[Yudh (film)|Yudh]]'' || Xaca ||  
|-
|-
| [[Zabardast]] || Goon ||  
| ''[[Zabardast]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Aakhir Kyon?]] || Goon ||  
| ''[[Aakhir Kyon?]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Maha Shaktimaan]] || Goon ||  
| ''[[Maha Shaktimaan]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="6"|1986 || [[Singhasan]] || Kaal Bhairav ||
| rowspan="6" |1986 ||''[[Singhasan]]'' || Kaal Bhairav ||
|-
|-
|''[[Manav Hatya]]''|| ||
| ''[[Manav Hatya]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| [[Chambal Ka Baadshah]] || Daaku ||  
| ''Chambal Ka Baadshah''|| Daaku ||  
|-
|-
| [[Adhikar (1986 film)|Adhikar]] || Goon ||  
| ''[[Adhikar (1986 film)|Adhikar]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Avinash]] || Street Goon ||  
| ''[[Avinash Yelandur|Avinash]]'' || Street Goon ||
|-
|-
| [[Raat Ke Baad]] || Henchman ||  
| ''Raat Ke Baad'' || Zingagani ||
|-  
|-  
| rowspan="7"|1987 || [[Naam O Nishan]] || Raaka ||
| rowspan="7"|1987 || ''[[Naam O Nishan]]'' || Raaka ||
|-
|-
| [[Khudgarz]] || Giant at Sports Club ||  
| ''[[Khudgarz]]'' || Giant at Sports Club ||  
|-
|-
| [[Loha (1987 film)|Loha]] || Henchman || Shera's Man
| ''[[Loha (1987 film)|Loha]]'' || Henchman ||
|-
|-
| [[Hukumat]] || Goon ||
| ''[[Hukumat]]'' || Goon ||
|-
|-
| [[Dak Bangla]] || Goon ||
| ''[[Dak Bangla]]'' || Ozo / Mummy ||
|-
|-
| [[Diljalaa]] || Security Guard of girls hostel ||  
| ''[[Diljalaa]]'' || Security Guard of girls hostel ||  
|-  
|-  
| [[Tera Karam Mera Dharam]] || Goon ||
| ''Tera Karam Mera Dharam''|| Goon ||
|-
|  rowspan="8"|1988 || ''[[Shahenshah (1988 film)|Shahenshah]]'' || Mukhtaar Singh ||
|-
| ''[[Mohabbat Ke Dushman]]'' || Contract Killer ||
|-
| ''[[Commando (1988 film)|Commando]]'' || Henchman ||
|-
| ''[[Maalamaal]]'' || Jallad Singh ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="9"|1988 || [[Shahenshah (1988 film)|Shahenshah]] || Mukhtaar Singh || JK's Man
| ''[[Agnee (1988 film)|Agnee]]'' || Chief of the natives ||  
|-
|-
| [[Mohabbat Ke Dushman]] || Contract Killer ||  
| ''[[Bees Saal Baad (1988 film)|Bees Saal Baad]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Commando (1988 film)|Commando]] || Henchman ||  
| ''[[Pyaar Mohabbat]]'' || Street Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Maalamaal]] || Jallad Singh ||  
| ''Dukh-Dard'' || Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Agnee (1988 film)|Agnee]] || Chief of the natives ||  
| rowspan="7" |1989 || ''[[Santosh (1989 film)|Santosh]]'' || Kundan's Henchman ||
|-
|-
| [[Bees Saal Baad (1988 film)|Bees Saal Baad]] || Goon ||  
| ''[[Mitti Aur Sona]]'' || Shingho ||  
|-
|-
| [[Pyaar Mohabbat]] || Street Goon ||  
| ''[[Ilaaka]]'' || Prisoner – Nagar's Henchman ||
|-
|-
| [[Dukh-Dard]] || Henchman ||  
| ''[[Shehzaade]]'' || Street Gambler ||  
|-
|-
| [[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]] || [[Bhima]] || TV Series
| ''[[Meri Zabaan]]'' || Wrestler ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="7"|1989 || [[Santosh (Hindi Movie)|Santosh]] || Kundan's Henchman ||  
|''Lahu Ki Awaz''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lahu Ki Awaz |url=https://spicyonion.com/title/lahu-ki-awaz-hindi-movie/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618230313/http://spicyonion.com/title/lahu-ki-awaz-hindi-movie/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=18 June 2015 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Spicyonion.com |language=en}}</ref>
|Killer
|
|-
|-
| [[Mitti Aur Sona]] || Shingho ||  
| ''[[Elaan-E-Jung]]'' || Kala Naag's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Ilaaka]] || Prisoner – Nagar's Henchman ||
| rowspan="7" |1990 || ''Atishbaz'' || Kewal & Shamsher's Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Shehzaade]] || Street Gambler ||  
| ''[[Ghayal (1990 film)|Ghayal]]'' || Bheem Ji || Guest Role
|-
|-
| [[Meri Zabaan]] || Wrestler ||  
| ''[[Aaj Ka Arjun]]'' || Thakur's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Elaan-E-Jung]] || Henchman || Kala Naag's Man
| ''[[Kali Ganga]]'' || Hukumchand's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Lahu Ki Awaz]] || Killer ||  
| ''[[Sher Dil (Indian film)|Sher Dil]]'' || Ranjeet's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="8"|1990 || Atishbaz || Kewal & Shamsher's Goon ||  
| ''Naaka Bandi'' || Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Ghayal (1990 film)|Ghayal]] || Bheem Ji || Guest Role
| ''Aag aur Angaray'' || Street Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Aaj Ka Arjun]] || Henchman || Thakur's Man
| rowspan="2"|1991 || ''[[Shankara (1991 film)|Shankara]]'' || Goga ||  
|-
|-
| [[Kali Ganga]] || Hukumchand's Henchman ||  
| ''[[Ajooba]]'' || Vazir's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Sher Dil]] || Henchman || Ranjeet's Man
| rowspan="3"|1992 || ''[[Panaah (film)|Panaah]]'' || Bheem ||
|-
|-
| [[Naaka Bandi]] || Henchman ||  
| ''[[Humlaa]]'' || Sher Khan ||  
|-
|-
| [[Aag aur Angaray]] || Street Goon ||  
| ''[[Waqt Ka Badshah]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]] || Bheem || Tamil Film
| 1994 || ''[[Beta Ho To Aisa]]'' || Ranjith ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1991 || [[Shankara (1991 film)|Shankara]] || Goga ||  
| rowspan="2"|1996 || ''[[Jaan (film)|Jaan]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Ajooba]] || Vazir's Man ||  
| ''[[Ajay (1996 film)|Ajay]]'' || Tiwari ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="3"|1992 || [[Panaah (film)|Panaah]] || Praveen Kumar ||
|1997 || ''Suryaputra Shanidev'' || [[Hanuman]] ||  
|-
|-
| [[Humlaa]] || Sher Khan ||  
| rowspan="2"|1998 || ''Sham Ghansham''|| Goon ||
|-
| ''[[Train to Pakistan (film)|Train to Pakistan]]'' || Goon ||
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Mahabharat Aur Barbareek]]'' || [[Bhima]] ||
|}
 
=== Other language films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Role
!Language
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
| [[Waqt Ka Badshah]] || Goon ||  
|1982
|''Pralaya Rudrudu''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pralaya Rudrudu (1982) |url=https://indiancine.ma/WYA |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref>
|Bearhug
|Telugu
|
|-
|-
| 1994 || [[Beta Ho To Aisa]] || Shera ||  
|1986
| ''Bhulekha'' || Moti 
|Punjabi||
|-
|-
| 1994 || [[Kishkinda Kaanda]] || Truck Driver || Telugu Film
|1989
| ''[[Raja Chinna Roja]]'' || Eye Patch Henchman
| rowspan="2" |Tamil||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1996 || [[Jaan (film)|Jaan]] || Goon ||  
|1990
| ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]''|| Bheem ||
|-
|-
| [[Ajay (1996 film)|Ajay]] || Tiwari ||  
| 1994 || ''[[Kishkindha Kanda (film)|Kishkinda Kanda]]''|| Truck Driver
|Telugu||
|}
 
=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
| 1997 || Suryaputra Shanidev || [[Hanuman]] ||
! Year
! Film
! Role
! Language
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1998 || [[Sham Ghansham]] || Goon ||  
| 1988 || ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'' || rowspan="2"|[[Bhima]] || rowspan="2"|Hindi ||  
|-
|-
| [[Train to Pakistan (film)|Train to Pakistan]] || Goon ||
| 1997 || ''[[Mahabharat Katha]]''
|  
|-
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Mahabharat Aur Barbareek]]'' || [[Bhima]] || A Movie directed by [[Dharmesh Tiwari]]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Praveen}}
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[[Category:Asian Games gold medalists for India]]
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[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Delhi]]

Latest revision as of 02:21, 11 February 2026


For other athletes with the same name, see Praveen Kumar (disambiguation).

Praveen Kumar Sobti
Kumar at the 1974 Asian Games
Personal information
Birth namePraveen Kumar Sobti
Born(1947-12-06)6 December 1947
Sarhali, Punjab, India
Died7 February 2022(2022-02-07) (aged 74)
New Delhi, India
Height6 ft 7 in (201 cm)
Weight125 kg (276 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
Event(s)Discus throw, Hammer throw
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)DT – 56.74 m (1973)
HT – 65.76 m (1969)[1]
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing  India
Asian Games
Gold medal – first place 1966 Bangkok Discus throw
Gold medal – first place 1970 Bangkok Discus throw
Silver medal – second place 1974 Tehran Discus throw
Bronze medal – third place 1966 Bangkok Hammer throw
Asian Championships
Gold medal – first place 1975 Seoul Discus throw
Silver medal – second place 1973 Marikina Discus throw
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal – second place 1966 Kingston Hammer throw

Praveen Kumar Sobti (6 December 1947 – 7 February 2022)[2] 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[edit | edit source]

Kumar (left) at the 1974 Asian Games

Kumar was a star of Indian athletics in the 1960s and 1970s.[3] 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.[1]

Cinematic journey[edit | edit source]

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.[4][5] 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.[6][7] 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[edit | edit source]

In 2013 Kumar joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).[8] 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).[9]

Death[edit | edit source]

Praveen died from a heart attack in New Delhi on the night of 7 February 2022, at the age of 74.[4]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Hindi films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1981 Raksha Gorilla
Meri Aawaz Suno Justin
1982 Ghazab Henchman
1983 Humse Na Jeeta Koi Smuggler Lobo
Hum Se Hai Zamana Killer
1984 Lorie Goon
Raaj Tilak Daku 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 Awaz[10] Killer
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
1991 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[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Language Notes
1982 Pralaya Rudrudu[11] Bearhug Telugu
1986 Bhulekha Moti Punjabi
1989 Raja Chinna Roja Eye Patch Henchman Tamil
1990 Michael Madana Kama Rajan Bheem
1994 Kishkinda Kanda Truck Driver Telugu

Television[edit | edit source]

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

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Praveen Kumar". sports-reference. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  2. ↑ "Praveen Kumar Sobti, aka Bheem in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, Passes Away at 74". News18. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  3. ↑ The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Sports Tribune. Tribuneindia.com (24 May 2003). Retrieved on 30 June 2017.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Actor Praveen Kumar Sobti, known as Mahabharat's Bheem, dies of heart attack". The Hindustan Times. 7 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  5. ↑ 'Bheem' waiting for a special role. The Hindu (12 January 2009).
  6. ↑ Corporation elections: It's Mahabharat on Delhi streets. Mid-day.com (13 April 2012). Retrieved on 30 June 2017.
  7. ↑ Pushpendra Singh Rajput (4 October 2011) Bhim of Mahabharat Serial Praveen Kumar Reached Mahavir Mandir, Faridabad. faridabadmetro.com
  8. ↑ 'Bheem' is AAP candidate for Wazirpur seat in Delhi poll, PTI New Delhi, 19 September 2013
  9. ↑ "BJP like Pandavas, Opposition Kauravas: "Bheem"". The Hindu. 4 April 2014.
  10. ↑ "Lahu Ki Awaz". Spicyonion.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  11. ↑ "Pralaya Rudrudu (1982)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 January 2024.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Asian Games Champions Athletics Discus Throw Men Template:Footer Asian Champions men's discus throw

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