A look at the lesser-known sports side of Praveen Kumar Sobti's career, which is still in the shadows of his magnanimous portrayal of 'Bheem' in BR Chopra's 'Mahabharat'.
Praveen Kumar Sobti was born on December 6, 1947, in East Punjab’s small town, Sarhali Kalan. Right from an early age, he was interested in sports and even represented India on the international level. However, it was his portrayal of 'Bheem' in legendary filmmaker, BR Chopra's epic show, Mahabharat, that engraved his name in India's television industry forever. Even after so many decades, Praveen is still in everyone's memories, and whenever we talk about Mahabharat and especially 'Bheem', his face comes in front of everyone.
For the uninitiated, Praveen Kumar Sobti completed his schooling from a government school. He pursued his higher studies from Amritsar's Khalsa College. However, at the age of 20, Praveen joined the Border Security Force (BSF), which is one of the toughest forces in the Indian Army.
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Due to his immense interest in sports, Praveen Kumar Sobti got the chance to participate in games during his time at the Border Security Force (BSF), and he utilised the opportunities to the fullest. Soon, his athletic skills and giant physique caught the attention of senior officers, who advised him to turn his focus on discus and hammer throw. Praveen immediately started training for the iconic sports, and in the 1960s, he reportedly started playing as a sportsperson representing India in international competitions.
In India, Praveen Sobti wasn't getting any competition, as he was way too good and an inspiration for so many athletes back in the 1960s and 1970s. However, it was at the 1966 Asian Games that Praveen left every Indian in tears after winning a gold medal in the discus throw and a bronze in the hammer throw.
It was a massive moment for India, as it was in the 1970 Asian Games when Praveen Kumar Sobti once again won the gold medal as he successfully defended his dominance. Even in the 1974 Asian Games, Praveen Kumar Sobti lost the gold by a slight margin and had to settle for a silver medal. Praveen showcased his exceptional strength and technique not only in the Asian Games but also in the 1966 Commonwealth Games, where he won a silver medal in the hammer throw.
After the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, Praveen Kumar Sobti even represented India in two Olympics, the 1968 Mexico Olympics and the 1972 Munich Olympics. Although, he couldn't win a medal there, it was a massive moment for him and India. In 1967, the Indian government honoured Praveen for his incredible accomplishments in athletics with the Arjuna Award. He is still recognised as one of the greatest athletes in Indian athletics history.
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After winning many medals in athletics, Praveen Kumar Sobti left sports and BSF (Border Security Force) and moved towards acting. Once, in an old interview with The Times Of India, Praveen admitted that he wanted to be in the limelight, which was why he decided to become an actor in Hindi cinema. He said, "I earned a lot of accolades in sports. Wherever I went, I got immense love. After leaving sports, I still wanted to be in the limelight. That's why I opted for cinema." In 1981, Praveen made his acting debut alongside Jeetendra in the film, Raksha. Apart from Hindi, he also worked in a Telugu film, Pralaya Rudrudu, in a Punjabi film, Bhulekha, and in a Tamil film, Raja Chinna Roja.
Praveen Kumar Sobti worked with a series of A-listed actors in the Indian film and television industry. From working with Amitabh Bachchan in Shahenshah to playing 'Saaboo' in the television show, Chacha Chaudhary and playing 'Bheem' in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, Praveen has played a lot of memorable characters. Some of Praveen's recognised movies include Khudgarz, Diljalaa, Commando, Shehzaade, Ghayal, Kali Ganga, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Beta Ho Toh Aisa, Jaan, and Train to Pakistan.
However, it's fair to say that it was Praveen Kumar Sobti's portrayal of 'Bheem' in BR Chopra's Mahabharat that is above every project in his acting career. However, not everyone is aware of the fact that Praveen also played 'Lord Hanuman' in the film, Suryaputra Shanidev, but nothing could come close to his portrayal of 'Bheem'. Once, in an old interview, Praveen admitted that Mahabharat gave him so much recognition and love that many people used to bring their children to his place in order to seek his blessings.
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February 7, 2022, is the unfortunate date on which Praveen Kumar Sobti passed away due to a severe heart attack. Talking about his family, not much is known about his wife and children. However, as per multiple reports, Praveen is survived by his two children, a boy and a girl. The iconic actor always kept his family away from the media spotlight, which is why not much is known about them. We hope they're doing well wherever they are.
Praveen Kumar Sobti will forever be remembered for everything he has achieved in sports for India, his remarkable portrayal of 'Bheem' in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, and the kind of humble person he was in real life.
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