Varinder Singh Ghuman, a celebrated bodybuilder and actor who broke ground as a plant-based fitness icon, passed away suddenly on Thursday at the age of 42, leaving India’s fitness and film worlds in shock and sorrow.
According to early reports, Ghuman had visited a hospital in Amritsar earlier in the day due to shoulder pain. While undergoing a minor procedure, he collapsed unexpectedly. Despite medical efforts, he could not be revived.
He was born in Gurdaspur, Punjab. He rose to fame in 2009 when he was crowned Mr. India, and later secured second place at the Mr. Asia championships. But his legacy extended beyond titles. In a sport dominated by meat-based diets, Ghuman’s commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle set him apart. He was widely regarded as the world’s first professional vegetarian bodybuilder, earning global recognition and reshaping perceptions in the fitness industry.
His remarkable journey drew the attention of bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, who personally selected Ghuman to promote his line of health supplements in Asia. The collaboration earned him the nickname “India’s Arnold Schwarzenegger”, a title embraced by his fans and peers.
Ghuman also made a mark in Indian cinema. He appeared in films such as Kabaddi Once Again (2012), Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014), Marjaavaan (2019), and Tiger 3 (2023) alongside Salman Khan, where his physical presence and quiet charisma translated seamlessly to the screen.
Off-stage and off-camera, Ghuman was a mentor, influencer, and entrepreneur. His disciplined lifestyle, ethical choices, and motivational outlook gained him a large and loyal online following.
He is survived by his family and leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire fitness aspirants and value-driven achievers. Tributes have poured in from across the country, with athletes, celebrities, and political leaders praising Ghuman not just for his discipline, but for his humility.
