Varinder Singh Ghuman, Punjabi actor, bodybuilder dies of heart attack at 47 in Amritsar

Varinder Singh Ghuman, Punjabi actor, bodybuilder dies of heart attack at 47 in Amritsar

Punjabi actor and renowned bodybuilder Varinder Singh Ghuman have passed away following a heart attack in Amritsar. He was admitted to Fortis Hospital for what was meant to be a minor surgery on his bicep. The 47-year-old was expected to return home soon after, but he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and could not be revived.

Ghuman’s death has sent shockwaves across both the bodybuilding and film communities. Known for his towering physique and calm persona, he was one of India’s most recognized faces in professional bodybuilding and among the few Indians to have received global recognition in the sport.

Born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Ghuman began bodybuilding at a young age, eventually winning the Mr India title in 2009 and finishing runner-up at the Mr Asia competition. His reputation grew beyond India’s borders when, in 2013, Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger personally selected him to represent his fitness products in Asia. Ghuman often recalled that meeting as a turning point in his life, describing how Schwarzenegger was fascinated by his height and discipline. The two shared mutual respect, and Schwarzenegger once praised Ghuman publicly as “an amazing talent.”

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Transitioning from bodybuilding to cinema, Ghuman made his Punjabi film debut with Kabaddi Once Again (2012), where his imposing frame and screen presence stood out. Two years later, he entered Bollywood with Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014), followed by supporting roles in films like Marjaavaan (2019). His most recent appearance was in Tiger 3 (2023), where he played Shakeel, a Pakistani prison guard, alongside Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.

Beyond the spotlight, Ghuman was admired for his dedication to a vegan lifestyle—an uncommon choice in bodybuilding circles. He often spoke about proving that strength and muscle could be built without animal products, inspiring many young athletes to rethink traditional fitness norms.