Popular Jalandhar-based bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman (42) passed away this evening while undergoing treatment at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar.
Jalandhar-based bodybuilder Harminder Dullowal said Ghuman suffered a muscle rupture in his chest area and went to Amritsar for treatment. “We never imagined that he would meet such a fate. It is very difficult to accept this loss,” he said.
According to doctors, Ghuman suffered a cardiac arrest during shoulder surgery and could not be resuscitated. He breathed his last around 5:30 p.m., confirmed a senior doctor while speaking to The Tribune.
He was a heavyweight champion, competing in the 120 kg and above category. The 6 feet 3 inches tall athlete had won the Mr. India title in 2009 and placed second in the Mr. Asia competition. He made history as the first Indian to obtain an IFBB Pro card, marking India’s entry into the global professional bodybuilding circuit. He has so far been the only Asian to compete in Arnold Schwarzennegger’s biggest international bodybuilding competition, Arnold Classic.
Transitioning to cinema, Ghuman made his debut in Punjabi cinema 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’.
Originally from Gurdaspur, he had moved to 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 of the 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 with his talent, discipline and dedication.
It is deeply painful to learn that famous bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman Ji has died of a heart attack.
He was a devoted vegetarian, building 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
