Punjabi actor and professional bodybuilder Varinder Singh Ghuman, fondly known as India’s Arnold Schwarzenegger, passed away on Thursday following a cardiac arrest. He was 47 years old.
The sudden death of the athlete, who inspired thousands with his disciplined lifestyle and fitness journey, has left fans and the bodybuilding community in deep shock.
Cause of Varinder Singh Ghuman Death
According to family members, Ghuman suffered a heart attack on Thursday evening. His nephew Amanjot Singh Ghuman told reporters in Jalandhar that the bodybuilder experienced severe chest pain around 5 PM while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Amritsar. His manager, Yadvinder Singh, confirmed that Ghuman had earlier complained of shoulder pain and had gone for a check-up when his condition worsened. Doctors later declared him dead due to cardiac arrest.
Who Was Varinder Singh Ghuman
Born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Varinder Singh Ghuman rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most celebrated bodybuilders. He won the Mr. India title in 2009 and finished runner-up in the Mr. Asia competition, marking his entry into the international fitness scene. His growing fame also caught the attention of global bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, who personally selected Ghuman to represent his fitness brand in Asia which gave him the nickname “India’s Arnold.”
Varinder Singh Ghuman, The World’s First Vegetarian Professional Bodybuilder
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ghuman’s career was his commitment to vegetarianism. In a sport dominated by non-vegetarian protein diets, he became the world’s first vegetarian professional bodybuilder, breaking stereotypes and proving that physical strength can be achieved through a plant-based lifestyle. He often promoted ethical fitness, inspiring countless young athletes to adopt a disciplined and healthy way of living.
Journey of Varinder Singh Ghuman From Bodybuilding to Bollywood
After achieving success in bodybuilding, Ghuman transitioned into acting. He made his Punjabi film debut with “Kabaddi Once Again” (2012), followed by roles in Bollywood films like Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) and Marjaavaan (2019). His most recent appearance was in Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 (2023), where he played a supporting role. His commanding screen presence and muscular persona earned him respect in both the sports and film industries.
Varinder Singh Ghuman, A Mentor and Inspiration to Fitness Lovers
Varinder Ghuman was more than just a bodybuilder, he was a mentor and motivator to aspiring athletes. With over one million followers on Instagram, he frequently shared fitness advice, workout routines, and motivational messages that emphasized discipline and consistency. He also planned to contest the Punjab Assembly elections in 2027, showcasing his desire to give back to society and represent his home state.
Tributes Pour In for Varinder Singh Ghuman
Condolences flooded social media as fans, celebrities, and leaders mourned the sudden loss. Former Indian Hockey Team captain Parjat Singh shared 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 to bear this loss.”
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 to… pic.twitter.com/tfeE0hQrZ6
— Pargat Singh (@PargatSOfficial) October 9, 2025
Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also wrote:
“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.”
Varinder Singh Ghuman: A Legacy That Lives On
Varinder Singh Ghuman’s untimely death has ended a chapter in Indian fitness history, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. From being the first vegetarian professional bodybuilder to representing India on international platforms, Ghuman proved that passion, ethics, and dedication can achieve greatness. His life remains a testament to strength both physical and moral reminding everyone that true power comes from discipline, not shortcuts.
Also Read: Who Was Zaha Hadid? Her Design Legacy Lives On in Navi Mumbai’s New Airport
