A Heart's Final Beat: The Tragic Passing of Vegan Bodybuilder & Star Varinder Singh Ghuman 

The worlds of fitness and film are in mourning. Varinder Singh Ghuman, the celebrated Punjabi bodybuilder-turned-actor known for his towering physique and pioneering vegan bodybuilder lifestyle, has passed away unexpectedly. He was 37.

Ghuman died on October 9, 2025, in Amritsar after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Shockingly, this happened while he was undergoing a minor, routine surgical procedure for a bicep injury at Fortis Hospital. He was expected to return home the same day, making his sudden passing a profound tragedy that has left fans and colleagues heartbroken. The news of Varinder Ghuman's death has sent shockwaves across the nation, marking a devastating loss for the Punjabi film and bodybuilding community. This tragic Punjabi actor's death reminds us all of the fragile nature of life.

The Final Curtain: A Sudden Goodbye

According to hospital reports, Ghuman was admitted for a simple operation. There were no prior signs of the tragedy to come. During his stay, his heart suddenly stopped. Despite the best efforts of the medical team to revive him, he could not be saved.

His untimely death has sent waves of grief through the Indian bodybuilding community, Bollywood, and his countless admirers worldwide. It serves as a stark and somber reminder of how unpredictable heart health can be, even for the strongest among us.

From Punjab to the Pinnacle of Fitness

Born and raised in Punjab, Varinder Singh Ghuman carved his name into history with sheer determination. His breakthrough came in 2009 when he won the coveted Mr. India title, a victory that announced his arrival on the national stage. He further cemented his status by finishing as the runner-up at the Mr. Asia competition.

But what truly set him apart was his unwavering commitment to a strict vegan diet. In a world where bodybuilding was traditionally associated with animal protein, Ghuman was a pioneer. He demonstrated that a powerful, championship-winning physique can be built on a plant-based foundation, inspiring a generation of athletes to reconsider their dietary choices.

His incredible talent did not go unnoticed. In 2013, he caught the eye of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the greatest bodybuilder of all time. So impressed was Schwarzenegger that he personally chose Ghuman to represent his supplement brand across Asia. The bodybuilding legend once praised Ghuman's "amazing talent" and iconic presence.

Conquering the Silver Screen

Ghuman's ambition stretched beyond the gym. He successfully transitioned into acting, making his lead debut in the 2012 Punjabi sports drama Kabaddi Once Again.

His commanding screen presence soon opened the doors to Bollywood. He appeared in films like Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans and the 2019 action drama Marjaavaan. Most recently, millions saw him as Shakeel, the Pakistani prison guard in the blockbuster Tiger 3, starring alongside Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. His role in the Yash Raj Films Spy Universe marked his arrival on cinema's biggest stage.

A Legacy of Power and Plants

Varinder Singh Ghuman's legacy is a powerful and complex one. He was a trailblazer who challenged stereotypes, showing that strength and compassion could coexist through his vegan lifestyle. He was a bridge between the disciplined world of bodybuilding and the expressive world of cinema.

Fans, fellow bodybuilders, and film stars have flooded social media with tributes, calling him a "symbol of dedication" and mourning the "huge loss" of his talent.

His journey—from a small-town boy in Punjab to a Mr. India champion, an Arnold Schwarzenegger ambassador, and a Bollywood actor—will continue to inspire. While his heart gave way far too soon, the legacy of Varinder Singh Ghuman, the vegan bodybuilder who reached for the stars, will continue to beat strongly in the hearts of those he inspired.