Varinder Singh Ghuman, renowned professional bodybuilder and actor, passed away on Thursday, October 9, at the age of 42 due to a cardiac arrest in Amritsar, Punjab. Known as the world’s first vegetarian professional bodybuilder, Ghuman’s sudden demise has left the sports and entertainment communities in shock.

Sudden Demise After Routine Hospital Visit

According to family and close associates, Ghuman had visited Fortis Hospital in Amritsar for a minor surgery related to a bicep injury, which was expected to be a same-day procedure. However, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in the evening while at the hospital. His manager Yadvinder Singh stated that Ghuman had initially complained of shoulder pain, prompting the hospital visit.

Fitness Legend and Trailblazer

Born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and later based in Jalandhar, Ghuman rose to fame after winning the Mr. India title in 2009, followed by a runner-up position in the Mr. Asia competition. Internationally, he gained recognition not only for his physique but also for being a vegetarian in a field dominated by meat-based diets. In 2013, Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger chose Ghuman as the face of his products in Asia, further cementing his influence in the bodybuilding world.

Bollywood Journey and Public Life

Ghuman transitioned to acting with his debut in the Punjabi film Kabaddi Once Again (2012), followed by appearances in Hindi films such as Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014), Marjaavaan (2019), and Tiger 3 (2023), where he starred alongside Salman Khan. He was also an active fitness influencer with a significant Instagram following of over one million.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu described him as the “pride of Punjab” and said his death was a significant loss for the nation. “Passing away the pride of Punjab, ‘the He-Man of India’, Varinder Ghuman ji, is an irreparable loss for the country. He set new standards in the world of fitness with his hard work and vegetarian lifestyle. His life will always be a source of inspiration for the youth,” the BJP leader wrote on X.

Congress MLA Pargat Singh said, “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 bear this loss.” Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal too expressed grief and said, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the untimely passing of international bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman. Varinder worked very hard and achieved great heights in his life; he was an inspiration for our youth.”

Tributes Pour In from Across Political Spectrum

Political leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, expressed deep sorrow. Bittu described him as the “pride of Punjab”, while others praised his discipline, vegetarian lifestyle, and contribution to India’s fitness culture.

Ghuman had also expressed interest in entering politics by contesting the Punjab Assembly elections in 2027. His sudden death is seen as a major loss to both the fitness and entertainment industries, and to the youth who looked up to him as a role model.

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