AMRITSAR:Famous Bollywood actor Pravin Kumar Sobti, popularly known as `Bheem’ for playing the role of in BR Chopra’s `Mahabharat’, died at the age of 75 at his home in Delhi with a heart attack. He was a proud alumni of Khalsa College and studied Bachelor of Arts (BA) here from 1965-67. Parveen was always proud his days spent at the College where he polished his sports skills.
His photograph as an Alumni adorns the walls of the photo gallery at the Khalsa College. He gave amazing performances in discuss throw, shot-put and hammer throw creating new records in the Panjab University Annual Athletics Meet in 1966-67, said KCA Principal Dr.Mehal Singh.
Parveen clinched gold medal in discuss throw and bronze medal in hammer throw in the Asian Games at Bangkok in 1966. Kumar also bagged gold medal and silver medal at Bangkok Asian Games in 1970 and at Tehran Asian Games in 1974 respectively. He participated in 1968 and 1972 Olympics games along with participation in the Commonwealth games held at Kingston (Jamaica) in 1966.
Parvin Kumar Sobti used to live Nabha hostel in the College and was a star attraction even during his college days. He was a well-built person and used to display his sports skills on the College grounds to the surprise of many, recalled Dr.Mehal Singh. ``He used to take more interests in Games rather than academics”, he said.
He was honoured with Arjuna Award in 1967 and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award in 1979 for his brilliant achievements in the sports. He also worked as a Deputy Commander in the Border Security Force (BSF). He also starred in many films, but the role of Bheem in “Mahabharat”made him a household name.
Parveen was planning to attend the last Alumni Meet of the College but his health deteriorated and he could not come to his alma mater, said College authorities.