Indian actor and professional bodybuilder Varinder Singh Ghuman, celebrated for his achievements in bodybuilding and his roles in Punjabi and Bollywood films, has died of a heart attack in Amritsar, Punjab. He was 42.
Family members confirmed that Ghuman was receiving treatment for shoulder pain at a private hospital on Wednesday evening when he suffered a cardiac arrest. His nephew, Amanjot Singh Ghuman, told reporters that the actor collapsed during surgery and could not be revived.
According to fellow bodybuilder Harminder Dullowal, Ghuman had suffered a muscle rupture in his chest and had travelled to Amritsar for treatment. “We had never expected that he would meet this fate. It is very difficult to accept this loss,” Dullowal told The Tribune.
Ghuman’s body was later transported to his hometown of Jalandhar, where his family is based. His final rites are expected to take place there, according to The Times of India.
Born in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, Ghuman was a towering figure both in physique and reputation. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, he rose to prominence in India’s bodybuilding circuit after winning the Mr. India title in 2009 and finishing runner-up at the Mr. Asia competition that same year.
He made history as the first Indian to earn an IFBB Pro Card, marking India’s entry into the global professional bodybuilding stage. Ghuman also became the only Asian to compete in the prestigious Arnold Classic, founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Nicknamed “the vegetarian bodybuilder,” Ghuman was widely admired for maintaining a strict vegetarian diet throughout his career — a rarity in the sport. His discipline and fitness philosophy inspired many aspiring athletes in India and beyond.
After achieving fame in bodybuilding, Ghuman transitioned to acting, making his debut in the 2012 Punjabi sports drama Kabaddi Once Again. He later appeared in Bollywood films such as Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014), Marjaavaan (2019), and Tiger 3 (2023) alongside Salman Khan.
Reports suggest that Ghuman had recently been considering a move into politics and was eyeing a potential run in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from across India’s film, political, and sporting circles. Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu described him as “the pride of Punjab,” calling his death “an irreparable loss.”
Former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “With his hard work, discipline, and ability, he illuminated Punjab’s name across the world. May Waheguru grant his soul eternal peace.”
Former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh added, “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 to bear this loss.”
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