The Indian fitness and entertainment world is mourning the tragic loss of Varinder Singh Ghuman, the pioneering Punjabi actor and bodybuilder who passed away on October 9, 2025, following a cardiac arrest during what was supposed to be a routine medical procedure. At just 42 years old, Ghuman’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding community and film industry, leaving behind a legacy that transformed how the world viewed Indian strength athletes.
The Tragic Final Moments
According to medical sources at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar, Varinder Singh Ghuman had been admitted for minor shoulder surgery—a procedure he was expected to recover from the same day. The 6-foot-3-inch athlete, known for competing in the heavyweight 120kg-plus category, had reportedly been experiencing shoulder pain and muscle issues related to his decades of intense training.
Tragically, during the surgical procedure around 5:30 PM on Thursday evening, Ghuman suffered a massive cardiac arrest. Despite immediate medical intervention, doctors were unable to revive him. His nephew, Amanjot Singh Ghuman, confirmed the devastating news to reporters in Jalandhar, while his manager Yadvinder Singh provided details about the medical circumstances leading to his death.
Timeline of Varinder Singh Ghuman’s Final Day
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Morning | Admitted to Fortis Hospital, Amritsar for shoulder surgery |
| Afternoon | Underwent surgical procedure for muscle-related issue |
| ~5:30 PM | Suffered cardiac arrest during surgery |
| Evening | Pronounced dead; medical team unable to revive |
| October 8 | His last Instagram post mourning singer Rajvir Jawanda |
The timing of Ghuman’s death carries particularly poignant weight—just one day before his passing, he had posted a heartfelt tribute to Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda, who had recently died in a tragic accident. His Instagram message read: “RIP Brother💔 Punjab ate punjabi music industry nu bhut vada ghata hai, Waheguru Pariwar nu bal bakshe” (Punjab and the Punjabi music industry have suffered a huge loss, may God give strength to the family). Little did anyone know these would be among his final public words.
A Groundbreaking Career in Bodybuilding
Varinder Singh Ghuman’s contributions to Indian bodybuilding cannot be overstated. Born in 1983 in Gurdaspur, Punjab, he grew up with extraordinary physical attributes—his towering height and natural build destined him for athletic greatness. But what truly set Ghuman apart was his unwavering commitment to vegetarianism while competing at the highest levels of professional bodybuilding.
Major Bodybuilding Achievements
| Achievement | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. India Title | 2009 | Won prestigious national championship |
| Mr. Asia Runner-Up | 2009 | Second place in continental competition |
| First Indian IFBB Pro Card | 2010s | Historic achievement for Indian bodybuilding |
| Arnold Classic Participation | Multiple years | First Asian to compete in Arnold’s event |
| Arnold Schwarzenegger Brand Ambassador | 2010s | Selected to promote health products in Asia |
In 2009, Ghuman achieved national glory by winning the Mr. India title, establishing himself as the country’s premier bodybuilder. That same year, he secured runner-up honors at the Mr. Asia competition, demonstrating that Indian athletes could compete with the continent’s best despite stereotypes about South Asian genetics in strength sports.
His crowning achievement came when he became the first Indian bodybuilder to earn an IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Pro Card—a credential that marked India’s official entry into the global professional bodybuilding circuit. This historic accomplishment opened doors for future generations of Indian strength athletes, proving that with discipline and dedication, Indians could stand alongside the world’s elite bodybuilders.
The Vegetarian Bodybuilding Pioneer
Perhaps Ghuman’s most remarkable legacy lies in shattering the myth that elite bodybuilding requires animal protein. In a sport where chicken breasts, eggs, and whey protein dominate meal plans, Ghuman built his 6-foot-3-inch, 120kg-plus physique entirely on vegetarian nutrition.
This achievement earned him recognition as the world’s first professional vegetarian bodybuilder—a title he wore with immense pride. His success challenged deeply entrenched assumptions within the fitness industry and inspired countless vegetarian and vegan athletes worldwide.
Former Indian Hockey Team captain Pargat Singh paid tribute to this aspect of Ghuman’s legacy, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s deeply painful to learn that famed body-builder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman Ji passed away from a heart attack. He was a devoted vegetarian, built his body with discipline and grace. May Waheguru grant his departed soul eternal peace and give strength to his family.”
Ghuman’s vegetarian approach extended beyond personal choice—he actively advocated for plant-based bodybuilding, sharing nutrition advice and training philosophies with followers on social media. He demonstrated that proper nutrition planning, supplementation knowledge, and training intensity could overcome any perceived disadvantages of vegetarian diets in strength sports.
Meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Career Highlight
One of Varinder Singh Ghuman’s most cherished memories involved meeting his bodybuilding idol, Arnold Schwarzenegger, at the Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Championship in Spain. As a top-ranked competitor at the event, Ghuman had the opportunity to meet the legendary seven-time Mr. Olympia winner and Hollywood action star.
Schwarzenegger was reportedly impressed by Ghuman’s physique and the fact that he represented India as the tallest bodybuilder from the nation. This meeting led to Schwarzenegger appointing Ghuman as his brand ambassador for health and fitness products throughout Asia—an extraordinary honor that validated Ghuman’s status as an international fitness icon.
In interviews, Ghuman recalled: “It was during a visit to Spain for a competition for the Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Championship that I got to meet the star. I was a top ranker at the event, and Arnold was enthralled to see my body and that I was the tallest bodybuilder from India.”
Schwarzenegger himself had praised Ghuman as “an amazing talent,” recognition from arguably the most famous bodybuilder in history. This endorsement deal placed Ghuman in rarified company and brought unprecedented attention to Indian bodybuilding on the global stage.
Transition to Acting: From Gym to Silver Screen
In 2012, Varinder Singh Ghuman embarked on a new chapter, transitioning from competitive bodybuilding to acting. His imposing physical presence and natural charisma made him a sought-after talent for roles requiring intimidating physicality or martial prowess.
Film Career Highlights
Punjabi Cinema:
- Kabaddi Once Again (2012) – Acting debut in Punjabi cinema
- Multiple Punjabi film appearances throughout 2010s-2020s
Bollywood Career:
- Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) – Hindi film debut
- Marjaavaan (2019) – Featured role alongside Riteish Deshmukh and Sidharth Malhotra
- Tiger 3 (2023) – Playing Pakistani prison guard “Shakeel” alongside Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif
His role in Tiger 3, part of Salman Khan’s blockbuster spy franchise, represented a career pinnacle. The film, released in 2023, gave Ghuman substantial screen time and introduced him to massive mainstream Bollywood audiences. Working with one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars validated his transition from athlete to actor.
Ghuman’s acting career demonstrated versatility beyond the stereotypical “muscle” roles often assigned to bodybuilders. While his physique certainly opened doors, he brought presence and professionalism to each performance, earning respect from co-stars including Bobby Deol, Riteish Deshmukh, Sidharth Malhotra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Salman Khan.
Political Aspirations and Community Leadership
Beyond bodybuilding and acting, Varinder Singh Ghuman harbored political ambitions. According to his social media posts and interviews, he planned to contest the Punjab Legislative Assembly elections in 2027. This aspiration reflected his desire to serve his community and use his public platform for broader social impact.
Throughout his career, Ghuman remained deeply connected to Punjab, using his success to inspire youth from the state. He frequently spoke about discipline, hard work, and the importance of representing Punjab with pride on national and international stages.
Tributes Pour In From Across India
News of Ghuman’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from political leaders, entertainment industry figures, athletes, and fans across India.
Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Member of Parliament, wrote in Punjabi on X: “Hearing the news of the sudden demise of Punjab’s famous bodybuilder and actor Virender Singh Ghuman ji has left my heart very saddened. With his hard work, discipline, and ability, he illuminated Punjab’s name across the world. May Waheguru ji grant his soul eternal abode at His feet and give strength to the family to bear this sorrowful blow.”
Pargat Singh, former Indian Hockey Team captain, emphasized Ghuman’s vegetarian bodybuilding achievements in his tribute, highlighting how this aspect of his legacy would continue inspiring future generations.
Nirmal Rishi, veteran Punjabi actress, mourned: “Another bright star is gone… The memory of actor and bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman will always remain alive in our hearts. May God give peace to his soul.”
Mankirt Aulakh, popular Punjabi singer, and numerous other entertainment industry figures shared condolences on social media, with many posting throwback photos and videos celebrating Ghuman’s achievements.
The fitness community worldwide also mourned his loss, with bodybuilders, trainers, and athletes sharing tributes highlighting his pioneering role as a vegetarian competitor and Indian representative in international bodybuilding.
Family and Personal Life
Varinder Singh Ghuman is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. The family, based in Jalandhar where Ghuman had settled after being born in Gurdaspur, now faces the unimaginable task of moving forward without their beloved husband and father.
A prayer meet was scheduled for 3:00 PM on October 10, 2025, as announced through Ghuman’s Instagram page, allowing friends, fans, and community members to pay their respects and support the grieving family.
The suddenness of his death—occurring during what should have been a routine surgical procedure—has left the family in profound shock. At 42, with his children still young and his career spanning multiple successful domains, Ghuman’s passing represents a life cut tragically short at the height of his influence and potential.
A Legacy That Transcends Bodybuilding
Varinder Singh Ghuman’s death at 42 serves as a sobering reminder of life’s fragility, even for those who dedicate themselves to physical fitness and health. His cardiac arrest during surgery highlights the complex factors affecting heart health beyond visible fitness—genetics, surgery risks, and medical complications can impact anyone regardless of their physical conditioning.
Yet Ghuman’s legacy extends far beyond the tragic circumstances of his death. He leaves behind:
A Shattered Ceiling: As the first Indian to earn an IFBB Pro Card, he proved Indian bodybuilders belonged on the world stage.
Vegetarian Validation: His success as a strict vegetarian competitor demolished myths about plant-based diets limiting athletic performance.
Cross-Platform Success: His transition from bodybuilding to acting demonstrated that athletes could successfully pursue multiple career paths.
Regional Pride: He brought immense pride to Punjab, representing the state and nation with distinction globally.
Inspiration for Millions: Countless young Indians pursuing fitness or bodybuilding goals looked to Ghuman as proof that with discipline and dedication, extraordinary achievements were possible.
The Questions His Death Raises
Ghuman’s sudden cardiac arrest during routine surgery has sparked conversations within the bodybuilding community about athlete health beyond competition. While details of his specific medical situation remain private, his death prompts important discussions about:
- The long-term cardiovascular impacts of extreme bodybuilding
- The importance of regular cardiac screenings for athletes
- Surgical risks for individuals with significant muscle mass
- The distinction between visible fitness and internal health markers
These conversations honor Ghuman’s memory by potentially saving lives through increased health awareness among athletes who might view their physical fitness as comprehensive health protection.
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FAQs
How old was Varinder Singh Ghuman when he died?
Varinder Singh Ghuman was 42 years old at the time of his death on October 9, 2025. Some reports initially stated different ages due to confusion, but his family confirmed he was 42.
What was Varinder Singh Ghuman’s cause of death?
He died from cardiac arrest during shoulder surgery at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar. He had been admitted for a minor procedure related to muscle pain and was expected to be discharged the same day, but suffered a fatal heart attack during the operation.
Was Varinder Singh Ghuman really the first vegetarian professional bodybuilder?
Yes, Varinder Singh Ghuman was widely recognized as the world’s first professional vegetarian bodybuilder to compete at the IFBB Pro level. He built his entire physique using plant-based nutrition, which was revolutionary in the bodybuilding world.
Which Bollywood films did Varinder Singh Ghuman appear in?
His notable Bollywood films included Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014), Marjaavaan (2019), and Tiger 3 (2023) where he played a Pakistani prison guard alongside Salman Khan. He also appeared in multiple Punjabi films, starting with his debut in Kabaddi Once Again (2012).
Did Arnold Schwarzenegger know Varinder Singh Ghuman?
Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger met Varinder Singh Ghuman at the Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Championship in Spain, where he was impressed by Ghuman’s physique. Schwarzenegger subsequently appointed Ghuman as his brand ambassador for health products in Asia and praised him as “an amazing talent.”
