Hailing from Punjab, the actor became a household name after playing the role of Bheem in the mythological series and was known for his huge build.
With his huge physique and tall height, the actor played the character of a goon and a henchman in various Hindi films.
Before gaining fame as Bheem in 'Mahabharat', Praveen Kumar represented India in hammer and discus throw events at international sporting events.
He won the silver medal in the hammer throw in the 1966 Commonwealth Games held in Kingston, Jamaica.
Praveen even won four medals for India in the Asian Games - two Golds in the discus throw event in the 1966 and 1970 Asian Games held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Praveen even tried his luck in politics when he contested the 2013 Delhi assembly elections from the Aam Aadmi Party ticket but lost and joined BJP in 2014
The late actor entered the entertainment industry in the early 1980s and did various brief cameos playing a henchman in films like 'Raksha', 'Hum Hain Lajawab', 'Agnee' and 'Yudh'.