Bodybuilder and Actor Varinder Singh Ghuman, Salman Khan’s ‘Tiger 3’ Co-Star, Dies at 42

Amritsar, October – The Indian fitness and film communities are in mourning following the sudden demise of celebrated bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman, who passed away today after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 42 years old.

Ghuman, who recently appeared alongside Salman Khan in the blockbuster Tiger 3, was undergoing treatment at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar. A senior doctor confirmed to The Tribune that the actor breathed his last around 5:30 PM.

A Sudden Loss: Tributes Pour In

The news was confirmed by former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who expressed his grief on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In a heartfelt tribute written in Punjabi, Randhawa highlighted Ghuman’s immense contribution to putting Punjab on the global map.

“Hearing the news of the sudden demise of Punjab’s famous bodybuilder and actor Virender Singh Ghuman ji has left my heart very saddened,” Randhawa wrote. “With his hard work, discipline, and ability, he illuminated Punjab’s name across the world. May Waheguru ji grant his soul eternal peace and give strength to his family to bear this sorrowful loss.”

From Mr. India to a Global Icon

Born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Ghuman’s journey to fame began on the bodybuilding stage. His dedication and formidable physique propelled him to win the Mr. India title in 2009, a victory that served as a springboard to international recognition. He soon after clinched the runner-up position at the prestigious Mr. Asia competition, cementing his status as one of India’s top physical culturists.

His achievements resonated far beyond national borders, even catching the eye of Hollywood icon and former bodybuilding champion Arnold Schwarzenegger. So impressed was Schwarzenegger that he handpicked Ghuman to be the brand ambassador for his line of fitness products across Asia, a significant endorsement in the world of bodybuilding.

The “World’s First Vegetarian Professional Bodybuilder”

Ghuman’s legacy, however, was defined by more than just his titles and trophies. He was a pioneer who challenged conventional bodybuilding wisdom by adhering to a strict vegetarian diet. He proudly proclaimed himself the “world’s first vegetarian professional bodybuilder,” using his platform to demonstrate that peak physical condition could be achieved without animal protein. This commitment made him a unique and influential figure, inspiring a generation of fitness enthusiasts within and beyond the vegetarian community to rethink their nutritional choices.

A Foray into Films

Leveraging his commanding presence, Ghuman successfully transitioned into acting. He made his film debut in Kabaddi Once Again (2012) and later appeared in adventures like Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) and the action drama Marjaavaan (2019). His most prominent cinematic role came in 2023 when he featured in the Salman Khan-led spy thriller Tiger 3, sharing the screen with one of Bollywood’s biggest stars in one of the year’s highest-grossing films.

As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of grief flooded social media from fans, fellow bodybuilders, and colleagues. They remembered Varinder Singh Ghuman not only for his incredible physical strength and discipline but also for his gentle demeanor and compassionate spirit—a true testament to a life lived with power and principle.

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