Punjabi actor and fitness icon Varinder Singh Ghuman loses life to cardiac arrest in Amritsar

Punjabi actor and bodybuilder Varinder Singh Ghuman died of a heart attack in Amritsar. He had visited Fortis Hospital for a minor operation on a bicep injury and was expected to return home the same day. Tragically, he suffered a cardiac arrest during the procedure and passed away.

Ghuman was a prominent figure in both the fitness and film industries. He first gained attention after winning the Mr India title in 2009 and later finished as runner-up at the Mr Asia competition. His achievements in bodybuilding earned him recognition across Asia, including an opportunity to represent Arnold Schwarzenegger’s products. In a past interview, 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 had later described him on social media as “an amazing talent.”

Apart from his bodybuilding career, Ghuman also ventured into acting. He made his Punjabi film debut as the lead in Kabaddi Once Again in 2012 and entered Bollywood with Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans in 2014. He continued appearing in Hindi films, including Marjaavaan in 2019. Most recently, he played Shakeel, a Pakistani prison guard, in Tiger 3, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. The film is part of Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe, which also includes Pathaan and War, and was released in November 2023 under director Maneesh Sharma.

Ghuman was also known for his vegan lifestyle, which set him apart in the bodybuilding community. He often spoke publicly about the benefits of plant-based diets and fitness, inspiring many aspiring athletes and actors.

His sudden death has left both the film and fitness communities in shock. Colleagues and fans have expressed condolences on social media, mourning the loss of a figure who balanced a successful career in films with remarkable achievements in bodybuilding.