Praveen Kumar Sobti, Mahabharat actor and sportsperson, dies at 75 

Veteran television and film actor Praveen Kumar Sobti died of a heart attack last evening. He was 75.

Sobti acted in a number of TV shows and movies but he is known the most for his role as Bheem, one of the five Pandava brothers, in BR Chopra’s classic Doordarshan show Mahabharat.

Sobti’s daughter Nikunika told the website Indian Express, “He passed away yesterday around 9.30 pm. He suffered a heart attack. He died at [his] home in Delhi.”

In his initial years, Sobti acted in films such as Meri Aawaz Suno (1981) and Humse Na Jeeta Koi (1983), Singhasan (1986) and Shahenshah (1988).

He also appeared in famous movies in the 1990s such as Ghayal (1990), Aaj Ka Arjun (1990), Kohraam (1991), Waqt Humara Hai (1993), Jaan (1996), Ajay (1996) and Train To Pakistan (1998).

Sobti was also a celebrated sportsman. As a hammer and discus throw athlete, he won a gold medal at the 1966 and 1970 Asian Games. He won silver medals for India at the 1966 Commonwealth Games and 1974 Asian Games. He also took part in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. He was honoured with the Arjuna Award for his contribution to sports. 

But that’s not all. Sobti was also a part of India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The Twitter handle of the organization shared pictures of Sobti and posted a tribute message that read, “Director General & All Ranks of BSF condole the untimely demise of Shri Praveen Kumar Sobti, former Deputy Commandant, Arjuna Awardee, two-time Olympian (1968 Mexico Games and 1972 Munich Games) & four-time Asian Games medallist (2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze).” 

Sobti’s Mahabharat co-star and friend Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Krishna in the show, paid tribute to him on Facebook. He posted, “Praveen Kumar Sobti No more - Champion of Asian Games, but well-known also for his performance of Bheem in our Mahabharat. Many memories flood my mind at this moment. Many incidents; but what I remember him as? As a true blood sportsman who would never indulge in petty politics, backbiting, criticising anyone behind his back and most importantly, he had learnt to laugh at life and spread his laughter and joy to others through his Punjabi humour. He was a pure and simple soul from a 'pind' [village] of Punjab. May his soul get Sadgati and freedom from the cycle of rebirth. I offer my silent prayers for his soul.”