Bhubaneswar: Actor Praveen Kumar Sobti, who became a household name after he played mythological character 'Bheem' in BR Chopra’s 'Mahabharat', has passed away. He was 74.

Sources said he died following a heart attack  last evening.

Praveen Kumar had also played the role of 'Saaboo' in Chacha Chaudhary (comic TV series) for several episodes. After the Mahabharata, he acted in more than 30 films.

Before stepping into acting profession, Praveen was a hammer and discus throw athlete. In Asian Games, he had won  four medals--2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze. He had also represented India in two Olympic Games --Mexico Games (1968) and Munich Games (1972). Praveen later was appointed as Deputy Commandant in Border Security Force (BSF) under sports quota.