Vegetarian Bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman Dies at 42, Remembered for Discipline and Dedication

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Varinder Ghuman, the celebrated ‘vegetarian bodybuilder’ from Punjab, passed away on Thursday at the age of 42. His remarkable bodybuilding journey earned him the Mr. India title in 2009 and second place in the Mr. Asia competition, despite standing 6 feet 2 inches tall. 

He also made his mark in films, sharing screen space with Salman Khan in Tiger-3 (2023) and acting in Roar: Tigers of Sundarbans (2014), Marjaavan (2019), and Kabaddi Once Again (2012).

Cause of Death and Immediate Circumstances

According to PTI, Ghuman suffered a heart attack at a private hospital in Amritsar. His manager, Yadvinder Singh, confirmed that Ghuman had sought treatment for shoulder pain earlier in the day. 

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Nephew Amanjot Singh Ghuman told reporters that the bodybuilder passed away in the evening. Known for his strict fitness regime and vegetarian diet, Ghuman regularly inspired over 1 million Instagram followers with his workout videos.

Legacy and Public Condolences

Ghuman hailed from Gurdaspur and resided in Jalandhar, where he owned a gym and encouraged healthy living. Even political leaders expressed grief over his sudden death. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu called it an “irreparable loss for the country” and praised his dedication to fitness. 

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa lauded his hard work and discipline, while Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal described Ghuman as inspiring the youth.

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Impact on Fitness and Sports Community

Varinder Ghuman's death has left a void in fitness and bodybuilding in India. He demonstrated that strict living and a vegetarian diet could still produce winners even among the sports elite. Ghuman still influences fitness culture in Punjab and India, mainly through his competitions and movies. He was an outstanding athlete and bodybuilder with a glamorous past who stood for the values of hard work, regularity, and healthy living.