### Varinder Singh Ghuman: India's Trailblazing Vegetarian Bodybuilder and Salman Khan Co-Star Dies at 42
The fitness and Punjabi entertainment worlds are reeling from the sudden loss of Varinder Singh Ghuman, a towering figure in Indian bodybuilding and cinema, who passed away on October 9, 2025, at the age of 42. Ghuman, celebrated as the world's first professional vegetarian bodybuilder, suffered a cardiac arrest during treatment for shoulder pain at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar, Punjab. He was rushed to the facility for what was described as a minor bicep or shoulder procedure under general anesthesia, but developed a fatal arrhythmia shortly after. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived, leaving behind a legacy of discipline, inspiration, and boundary-breaking achievements that redefined strength on a plant-based diet.
News of his death broke like a thunderbolt, with Salman Khan—one of Ghuman's Bollywood collaborators—posting a heartfelt tribute on X: "Rest in peace praa. Vil miss paaji," accompanied by a photo of the duo, amassing over 12,000 likes in hours. Tributes flooded in from across Punjab's political and entertainment circles, underscoring his role as a youth icon. As former Punjab Deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa mourned, "Through his hard work, discipline, and talent, he brought pride to Punjab across the world." Singer Mankirt Aulakh shared emotional photos, writing, "Alvida Vde Bai 💔 R.I.P Varinder Ghuman," while veteran actress Nirmal Rishi and filmmaker Sukhminder Chahal echoed the shock, calling him a "nice person" and friend. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal added, "Varinder worked very hard and achieved great heights... he was an inspiration for our youth."
#### From Gurdaspur Roots to Global Stages: A Vegetarian Powerhouse
Born in 1983 in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Ghuman grew up in a modest family and discovered bodybuilding in his teens, channeling his energy into fitness amid limited resources. Standing at an imposing 6'2" with a sculpted physique that earned him the nickname "India's Arnold Schwarzenegger," he turned heads not just for his size but for proving that elite gains were possible without meat. A devout vegetarian from the start—drawing from Sikh principles of compassion—he built his empire on lentils, paneer, nuts, and relentless training, debunking myths that plant-based diets couldn't fuel professional-level muscle.
His breakthrough came early:
- **2005**: Won Mr. Jalandhar and Mr. Punjab titles.
- **2006**: Took bronze at Junior Asia in Vietnam and silver at Junior Nationals.
- **2009**: Crowned Mr. India, catapulting him to national fame.
- **Mr. Asia**: Finished runner-up, solidifying his international cred.
In a landmark 2011 achievement, Ghuman became the **first Indian to earn an IFBB Pro Card** after winning the Australia Grand Prix—a feat that opened doors to global competitions and endorsements. His crowning glory? Being handpicked by Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Asia brand ambassador for the legend's fitness products, a nod to his innovative approach. With over a million Instagram followers (@veervarindersinghghuman), he shared meal preps, workout routines, and motivational mantras, amassing a cult following among aspiring veg athletes.
Ghuman owned a gym in Jalandhar, where he mentored young talents, and was eyeing politics—planning a run in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. "Compassion and strength can coexist," he often said, advocating for ethical fitness in a steroid-shadowed sport.
#### From Stage to Screen: Bollywood's Gentle Giant
Transitioning to acting in his 30s, Ghuman leveraged his physique for commanding roles, blending raw power with quiet charisma. His filmography bridged Punjabi roots and Hindi mainstream:
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|------|------|------|-------|
| 2012 | Kabaddi Once Again | Lead Actor | Punjabi debut; showcased rural strength. |
| 2014 | Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans | Supporting | Hindi entry; adventure thriller. |
| 2019 | Marjaavaan | Supporting | Action-drama with Sidharth Malhotra. |
| 2023 | Tiger 3 | Shakeel (Pakistani Prison Guard) | Shared screen with Salman Khan; fan-favorite for intensity. |
His Tiger 3 cameo opposite Salman—playing a formidable guard in high-octane sequences—cemented his Bollywood footprint, with fans praising his "commanding presence." Just a day before his passing, on October 8, Ghuman mourned Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda's death on Instagram, writing, "RIP Brother 💔 Punjab ate punjabi music industry nu bhut vada ghata hai."
#### A Sudden Void: Reflections on Fitness and Fragility
Ghuman's death has ignited raw conversations in the bodybuilding community, especially amid a spate of young athletes succumbing to cardiac issues. Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar highlighted risks like anabolic steroids causing heart scarring, extreme training straining the organ, and anesthesia unmasking arrhythmias—urging screenings for pros. Yet, tributes emphasize his clean-living ethos: "He was a devoted vegetarian, built his body with discipline and grace," as former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh noted.
X erupted with grief, from #RIPVarinderGhuman posts to debates on balanced fitness over "bulk at all costs." One user lamented, "RIP Varinder Ghuman, gone too soon at just 42... a normal, balanced diet is way better than all those artificial proteins."
Ghuman's story—forged on dal and determination—remains a beacon: Proof that true power lies in perseverance, not just plates. As Punjab mourns, his message endures: Fitness with heart, for the heart. Om Shanti. What's your favorite memory of his journey?
