Actor-bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman dies of cardiac arrest at 42

Popular Jalandhar-based bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman (42) passed away during treatment at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar this evening.

Jalandhar-based bodybuilder Harminder Dullowal said that Ghuman had a muscle rupture in the chest area and had gone to Amritsar for treatment. “We had never expected that he would meet this fate. It is very difficult to accept this loss,” he said.

According to doctors, Ghuman suffered a cardiac arrest during a shoulder surgery and could not be revived. He breathed his last around 5.30 pm, confirmed a senior doctor while speaking to The Tribune.

He was a heavy weight champion, who used to contest in the 120 kg-plus category. The 6 feet 3-inch-tall athlete had won the title of Mr India in 2009 and stood second in Mr Asia contest. He made history as the first Indian to earn an IFBB Pro Card, marking India’s entry into the global professional bodybuilding circuit. He has so far been the only Asian to make it to Arnold Schwarzennegger's top international bodybuilding contest Arnold Classic.

Transitioning to cinema, Ghuman made his Punjabi film debut with ‘Kabaddi Once More’ in 2012 and later appeared in Bollywood films such as ‘Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans’ (2014) and ‘Marjaavaan’ (2019). He also shared screen space with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in 'Tiger 3'.

Orginally hailing from Gurdaspur, he had settled in Jalandhar to train under his guru Randhir Hastir. He was based at Model Town in Jalandhar, where he also owned a gym. His father Bhupinder Singh was an assistant sub-inspector in Punjab Police.

Expressing shock over his untimely demise, Senior Congress leader and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said Ghuman brought immense pride to Punjab at the global level through his talent, discipline and dedication.

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