The entertainment and bodybuilding communities are in mourning following the sudden death of Varinder Singh Ghuman, the 41-year-old actor and professional bodybuilder. Ghuman passed away in Amritsar on October 9, 2025, reportedly from a cardiac arrest following a minor bicep surgery.
News of Ghuman's untimely demise has prompted heartfelt reactions from Bollywood figures, including actor Sidharth Malhotra and director Milap Zaveri, who collaborated with him on the 2019 film Marjaavaan.
Milap Zaveri expressed his shock and sadness on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the Marjaavaan set. "RIP @veervarindersinghghuman bhai. How unpredictable life is," Zaveri wrote, also adding, "Will always cherish the memories we shared on #Marjaavaan".
Sidharth Malhotra, who starred in Marjaavaan alongside Ghuman, has yet to release a public statement but is reportedly saddened by the news. In Marjaavaan, Ghuman played a character that utilized his imposing physique.
Varinder Singh Ghuman was a celebrated figure in the bodybuilding world, recognized internationally as one of the few Indian athletes to achieve such acclaim. He won the Mr. India title in 2009 and secured second place at the Mr. Asia contest. Ghuman was also known as the world's first vegetarian professional bodybuilder. In 2013, Arnold Schwarzenegger chose Ghuman to be the brand ambassador for his products in Asia.
Beyond bodybuilding, Ghuman successfully transitioned into the film industry. He played the lead role in the Punjabi film Kabaddi Once Again (2012) and appeared in Bollywood films such as Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014), Marjaavaan (2019), Jhund, and Tiger 3.
According to reports, Ghuman was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Amritsar for a minor bicep surgery and was expected to be discharged the same day. However, he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during the procedure. Doctors were unable to revive him, and he passed away around 5:30 PM.
Ghuman’s last Instagram post was a tribute to Punjabi singer-actor Rajvir Jawanda, who also recently passed away. Ironically, Ghuman's tribute to Jawanda noted what a big loss Jawanda's death was to Punjab and the Punjabi music industry.
Varinder Singh Ghuman is survived by his wife and four children. His funeral will be held today, October 10, 2025, at 3 PM.
