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{{Short description|Indian hammer and discus thrower, and actor (1947–2022)}}
{{short description|Indian hammer and discus thrower, and actor (1947–2022)}}
{{Distinguish|Praveen Kumar (Para athlete)}}
{{For|other athletes with the same name|Praveen Kumar (disambiguation)}}
{{For|other individuals 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
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| pseudonym =  
| pseudonym =  
| birth_name = Praveen Kumar Sobti
| birth_name = Praveen Kumar Sobti
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1947|12|06}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1947|12|06|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Sarhali Kalan, [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[Dominion of India|India]]
| birth_place = Sarhali, Punjab, India
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|2022|2|7|1947|12|6}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|02|07|1947|12|06|df=yes}}
| death_place = [[New Delhi]], India
| 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 = 6 ft 6 in
| weight = 250 lbs
| 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]]}}
| Died =
}}
}}


'''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, film actor, politician, and soldier with [[Border Security Force]]. As a 20 year old he joined then newly raised [[Border Security Force]] from where he attracted the attention of his officers through his fine athletic skills and went 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, 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>


==Cinematic Journey==
==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 national acclaim when he played the role "[[Bhima|Bheem]]" in [[B R Chopra]]'s popular mythological tele serial ''[[Mahabharata]]'', 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>
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 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 film [[Michael Madana Kama Rajan|Micheal 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]]. 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 ==
== Death ==
Sobti died from a 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>
 
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"
|-
|-
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! 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)]]'' || 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 ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="9"|1988 || [[Shahenshah (1988 film)|Shahenshah]] || Mukhtaar Singh || JK's Man
| ''[[Mohabbat Ke Dushman]]'' || Contract Killer ||  
|-
|-
| [[Mohabbat Ke Dushman]] || Contract Killer ||  
| ''[[Commando (1988 film)|Commando]]'' || Henchman ||
|-
|-
| [[Commando (1988 film)|Commando]] || Henchman ||  
| ''[[Maalamaal]]'' || Jallad Singh ||  
|-
|-
| [[Maalamaal]] || Jallad Singh ||  
| ''[[Agnee (1988 film)|Agnee]]'' || Chief of the natives ||  
|-
|-
| [[Agnee (1988 film)|Agnee]] || Chief of the natives ||  
| ''[[Bees Saal Baad (1988 film)|Bees Saal Baad]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Bees Saal Baad (1988 film)|Bees Saal Baad]] || Goon ||  
| ''[[Pyaar Mohabbat]]'' || Street Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Pyaar Mohabbat]] || Street Goon ||  
| ''Dukh-Dard'' || Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Dukh-Dard]] || Henchman ||  
| rowspan="7" |1989 || ''[[Santosh (1989 film)|Santosh]]'' || Kundan's Henchman ||
|-
|-
| [[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]] || [[Bhima]] || TV Series
| ''[[Mitti Aur Sona]]'' || Shingho ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="7"|1989 || [[Santosh (Hindi Movie)|Santosh]] || Kundan's Henchman ||  
| ''[[Ilaaka]]'' || Prisoner – Nagar's Henchman ||
|-
|-
| [[Mitti Aur Sona]] || Shingho ||  
| ''[[Shehzaade]]'' || Street Gambler ||  
|-
|-
| [[Ilaaka]] || Prisoner – Nagar's Henchman ||
| ''[[Meri Zabaan]]'' || Wrestler ||  
|-
|-
| [[Shehzaade]] || Street Gambler ||  
|''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
|
|-
|-
| [[Meri Zabaan]] || Wrestler ||  
| ''[[Elaan-E-Jung]]'' || Kala Naag's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Elaan-E-Jung]] || Henchman || Kala Naag's Man
| rowspan="7" |1990 || ''Atishbaz'' || Kewal & Shamsher's Goon ||
|-
|-
| [[Lahu Ki Awaz]] || Killer ||  
| ''[[Ghayal (1990 film)|Ghayal]]'' || Bheem Ji || Guest Role
|-
|-
| rowspan="8"|1990 || Atishbaz || Kewal & Shamsher's Goon ||  
| ''[[Aaj Ka Arjun]]'' || Thakur's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Ghayal (1990 film)|Ghayal]] || Bheem Ji || Guest Role
| ''[[Kali Ganga]]'' || Hukumchand's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Aaj Ka Arjun]] || Henchman || Thakur's Man
| ''[[Sher Dil (Indian film)|Sher Dil]]'' || Ranjeet's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Kali Ganga]] || Hukumchand's Henchman ||  
| ''Naaka Bandi'' || Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Sher Dil]] || Henchman || Ranjeet's Man
| ''Aag aur Angaray'' || Street Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Naaka Bandi]] || Henchman ||  
| rowspan="2"|1991 || ''[[Shankara (1991 film)|Shankara]]'' || Goga ||  
|-
|-
| [[Aag aur Angaray]] || Street Goon ||  
| ''[[Ajooba]]'' || Vazir's Henchman ||  
|-
|-
| [[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]] || Bheem || Tamil Film
| rowspan="3"|1992 || ''[[Panaah (film)|Panaah]]'' || Bheem ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1991 || [[Shankara (1991 film)|Shankara]] || Goga ||  
| ''[[Humlaa]]'' || Sher Khan ||  
|-
|-
| [[Ajooba]] || Vazir's Man ||  
| ''[[Waqt Ka Badshah]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="3"|1992 || [[Panaah (film)|Panaah]] || Bheem ||
| 1994 || ''[[Beta Ho To Aisa]]'' || Ranjith ||  
|-
|-
| [[Humlaa]] || Sher Khan ||  
| rowspan="2"|1996 || ''[[Jaan (film)|Jaan]]'' || Goon ||  
|-
|-
| [[Waqt Ka Badshah]] || Goon ||  
| ''[[Ajay (1996 film)|Ajay]]'' || Tiwari ||  
|-
|-
| 1994 || [[Beta Ho To Aisa]] || Ranjith ||  
|1997 || ''Suryaputra Shanidev'' || [[Hanuman]] ||  
|-
|-
| 1994 || [[Kishkinda Kaanda]] || Truck Driver || Telugu Film
| 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"
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1996 || [[Jaan (film)|Jaan]] || Goon ||
! Year
! Film
! Role
!Language
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
| [[Ajay (1996 film)|Ajay]] || Tiwari ||  
|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
|
|-
|-
| 1997 || Suryaputra Shanidev || [[Hanuman]] ||  
|1986
| ''Bhulekha'' || Moti 
|Punjabi||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1998 || [[Sham Ghansham]] || Goon ||  
|1989
| ''[[Raja Chinna Roja]]'' || Eye Patch Henchman
| rowspan="2" |Tamil||
|-
|-
| [[Train to Pakistan (film)|Train to Pakistan]] || Goon ||
|1990
| ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]''|| Bheem ||
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Kishkindha Kanda (film)|Kishkinda Kanda]]''|| Truck Driver
|Telugu||
|}
 
=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Role
! Language
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1988 || ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'' || rowspan="2"|[[Bhima]] || rowspan="2"|Hindi ||
|-
| 1997 || ''[[Mahabharat Katha]]''
|  
|-
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Mahabharat Aur Barbareek]]'' || [[Bhima]] || A Movie directed by [[Dharmesh Tiwari]]
|}
|}


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* {{IMDb name|id=0474851}}
* {{Sports links}}
* {{Sports links}}
{{Aam Aadmi Party}}
{{Aam Aadmi Party}}
{{Footer Asian Games Champions Discus Men}}
{{Asian Games Champions Athletics Discus Throw Men}}
 
{{Footer Asian Champions men's discus throw}}
{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Praveen}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sobti, Praveen Kumar}}
[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Indian male discus throwers]]
[[Category:Indian men discus throwers]]
[[Category:Olympic athletes of India]]
[[Category:Olympic athletes for India]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1968 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1968 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1972 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1972 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Asian Games medalists in athletics (track and field)]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1966 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1966 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1970 Asian Games]]
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[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1978 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1978 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists for India]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists for India]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in athletics]]
[[Category:Indian men hammer throwers]]
[[Category:Indian male hammer throwers]]
[[Category:Athletes from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Athletes from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Asian Games gold medalists for India]]
[[Category:Asian Games gold medalists for India]]
[[Category:Asian Games athletes for India]]
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[[Category:Asian Games bronze medalists for India]]
[[Category:Asian Games bronze medalists for India]]
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[[Category:Medalists at the 1970 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1970 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1974 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1974 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Asian Athletics Championships winners]]
[[Category:Asian Athletics Championships medalists]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists in athletics]]
[[Category:Asian Games gold medalists in athletics (track and field)]]
[[Category:Asian Games silver medalists in athletics (track and field)]]
[[Category:Asian Games bronze medalists in athletics (track and field)]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Delhi]]

Latest revision as of 02:21, 11 February 2026


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]

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