The fitness and entertainment communities are mourning the sudden loss of Varinder Singh Ghuman, who passed away Thursday evening after suffering a heart attack at a hospital in Amritsar. He was 42.
Ghuman had visited the private hospital for treatment of shoulder pain when he suffered the fatal cardiac arrest, according to his manager Yadvinder Singh and nephew Amanjot Singh Ghuman.
The towering figure, who stood 6 feet 2 inches tall, carved out a unique space in the bodybuilding world by becoming widely recognised as the world's first vegetarian professional bodybuilder. In 2009, he won the Mr India title and secured second place in the Mr Asia pageant, achievements that brought him national recognition.
His commitment to vegetarianism set him apart in a sport where many believed meat consumption was essential for building muscle mass. Ghuman proved otherwise, becoming a source of inspiration for countless fitness enthusiasts who shared his dietary principles. In 2013, Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger chose him as a brand ambassador to represent his products across Asia.
Beyond bodybuilding, Ghuman successfully transitioned into acting. He appeared in several Hindi films including 'Roar: Tigers of Sundarbans' in 2014 and 'Marjaavan' in 2019, and most notably worked alongside superstar Salman Khan in 'Tiger 3' in 2023. His film debut came with the Punjabi movie 'Kabaddi Once Again' in 2012.
A native of Gurdaspur, Ghuman was currently living in Jalandhar, where he operated his own gym. His passion for fitness extended beyond his personal achievements he actively engaged with over a million followers on Instagram, regularly sharing workout videos and motivational content.
Ghuman had expressed his intention to contest the Punjab assembly elections in 2027, signaling his desire to serve the community beyond the gym and screen.
The news of his untimely death prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across party lines. Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu called him the "pride of Punjab" and said his death was an "irreparable loss for the country". Congress leaders including former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and MLA Pargat Singh also expressed their condolences, with Randhawa noting how Ghuman had brought glory to Punjab through his hard work and discipline.
Ghuman's life embodied the possibility of achieving excellence through dedication and ethical choices. His legacy extends beyond trophies and film credits he demonstrated that strength and compassion could coexist, challenging conventional wisdom about what it takes to succeed in competitive bodybuilding.
As family, friends, and fans process this shocking loss, Ghuman will be remembered not just for the records he broke or the roles he played, but for the barriers he shattered and the countless young people he inspired to pursue their dreams without compromising their values.
