Varinder Singh Ghuman: All about Salman Khan’s co-star who passed away at 47

New Delhi: Punjabi actor and professional bodybuilder Varinder Singh Ghuman passed away on Thursday following a cardiac arrest, leaving the fitness and entertainment industries in deep shock. The 47-year-old star was known globally as the world’s first vegetarian bodybuilder.

He was celebrated for breaking stereotypes in the world of bodybuilding and inspiring a generation of fitness enthusiasts. Scroll down to read more about him!

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According to reports, Varinder had been experiencing severe shoulder pain and visited a private hospital in Amritsar for a check-up. His manager, Yadvinder Singh, confirmed that the actor was admitted for evaluation but later suffered a cardiac arrest. His nephew, Amanjot Singh Ghuman, told reporters in Jalandhar that he passed away around 5 pm on Thursday. The news of his sudden demise has left his fans and peers mourning the loss of one of India’s most influential fitness icons.

Born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Varinder Singh Ghuman’s journey to fame began with his dedication to bodybuilding. He earned the title of Mr India in 2009 and went on to become the runner-up at Mr Asia, solidifying his position among the country’s top athletes. His larger-than-life physique and commitment to his craft soon earned him international recognition. Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger even appointed Varinder as his brand ambassador for Asia, a testament to his stature in the fitness world.

What truly distinguished Varinder from his peers was his unwavering commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle. In a field dominated by high-protein meat diets, he proudly proved that plant-based nutrition could produce equally powerful results. His achievements brought pride to India’s fitness community, as he became widely recognised as the world’s first vegetarian professional bodybuilder.

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After achieving global fame in bodybuilding, Varinder transitioned into films. He made his debut in Kabaddi Once Again (2012), followed by roles in Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) and Marjaavaan (2019). His most notable appearance came in Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 (2023), where he shared the screen with one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, earning further recognition for his screen presence.

Beyond his achievements, Varinder remained an active fitness influencer, inspiring millions through his social media platforms. With over a million followers on Instagram, he often shared workout routines, diet tips, and motivational posts, promoting discipline and ethical living.