
Amritsar, October 9, 2025
Renowned Indian bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman has passed away at the age of 43 following a cardiac arrest during surgery at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar. According to reports from India Today and The Times of India, the surgery was a routine procedure related to a shoulder or bicep injury. However, Ghuman suffered a sudden heart attack during or immediately after the operation, and doctors were unable to revive him.
His family later confirmed the cause of death as a heart attack, describing the incident as completely unexpected. The tragic news has left the bodybuilding and film fraternity in shock.
Early Life and Bodybuilding Career
Born on December 27, 1981, in Punjab, India, Varinder Singh Ghuman grew up with a passion for fitness and strength training. His dedication, discipline, and commitment to natural bodybuilding made him one of India’s most admired fitness icons.
He rose to prominence after winning Mr. India (2009) and becoming the runner-up at Mr. Asia, earning recognition across the international bodybuilding community. Ghuman later achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian bodybuilder to receive an IFBB Pro Card, officially marking his entry into the elite global professional bodybuilding circuit.
He was also known for his association with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s supplement brand, making him one of the very few Indian athletes to gain such international endorsements.
Film and Acting Career
Varinder’s larger-than-life physique and on-screen charisma paved his way into the film industry. He appeared in several Punjabi and Hindi films, including:
🎬 Kabaddi Once Again (Punjabi)
🎬 Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (Hindi)
🎬 Marjaavaan (Hindi) – alongside Sidharth Malhotra and Riteish Deshmukh
🎬 Tiger 3 (Hindi) – featuring Salman Khan in a Yash Raj Films production
His powerful presence and dedication to his craft earned him respect both as an athlete and as an actor.
Personal Life and Fitness Philosophy
Varinder Ghuman was widely admired not just for his achievements but for his humility, discipline, and clean lifestyle. He was often described as a vegetarian bodybuilder, which made him a rare figure in the global bodybuilding scene.
He consistently promoted natural fitness, encouraging young athletes to focus on hard work and nutrition rather than shortcuts or banned substances. While there were occasional speculations about steroid use in professional bodybuilding, there has been no verified evidence or official report suggesting that Ghuman used any banned substances.
Reactions and Tributes
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the country. Punjabi artists like Mankirt Aulakh, Nirmal Rishi, and several Bollywood personalities expressed deep sorrow over his demise. Political leaders and fans described his death as “a huge loss to India’s fitness and film community.”
Notably, Ghuman’s last Instagram post was a heartfelt tribute to late Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda, making his own sudden passing even more emotional for fans.
Legacy
Varinder Singh Ghuman will be remembered as India’s strongest man in entertainment — a symbol of dedication, passion, and perseverance. He broke stereotypes by proving that even a vegetarian could achieve world-class strength and muscle without compromising ethics or discipline.
His journey from a small-town Punjabi athlete to an internationally recognized bodybuilding star continues to inspire countless youth across India and abroad.
Summary of Facts
- Name: Varinder Singh Ghuman
- Date of Birth: December 27, 1981
- Place of Birth: Punjab, India
- Date of Death: October 9, 2025
- Age: 43
- Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest during surgery (Fortis Hospital, Amritsar)
- Profession: Bodybuilder, Actor, Fitness Icon
FAQs About Varinder Singh Ghuman
1. Who was Varinder Singh Ghuman?
Varinder Singh Ghuman was a professional Indian bodybuilder, actor, and fitness icon from Punjab. He was the first Indian to receive an IFBB Pro Card and was known globally as one of the few pure vegetarian professional bodybuilders. He also appeared in Bollywood films like Marjaavaan and Tiger 3.
2. What was the cause of Varinder Ghuman’s death?
Varinder Ghuman passed away on October 9, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest during surgery at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar. The surgery was reportedly a minor procedure related to a shoulder or bicep injury.
3. How old was Varinder Ghuman at the time of his death?
Varinder Singh Ghuman was 43 years old at the time of his passing. He was born on December 27, 1981, in Punjab, India.
4. Did Varinder Ghuman use steroids?
There is no official evidence or report confirming that Varinder Ghuman used steroids or banned substances. In fact, he was publicly known as a natural and vegetarian bodybuilder, promoting fitness through discipline and clean nutrition.
5. What are some of Varinder Ghuman’s famous movies?
Varinder Ghuman appeared in several popular films including:
- Kabaddi Once Again (Punjabi)
- Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (Hindi)
- Marjaavaan (Hindi)
- Tiger 3 (Hindi)






