Varinder Singh Ghuman a trailblazing Indian bodybuilder, actor, and the man many called “The HeMan of India” has died after suffering a heart attack, his family confirmed. He was 47.
According to the family’s account shared with local media, Ghuman went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at a hospital. The news was rapidly shared across the fitness and film communities, where Ghuman was respected both for his competitive achievements and for crossing over into movies.
From Mr. India to IFBB Pro: A career built on size, discipline and vegetarianism
Ghuman rose through India’s competitive ranks to become Mr. India (2009) and earned runner-up honors at Mr. Asia the same year. He later became the first Indian bodybuilder to earn an IFBB Pro card, building a rare profile as a strict vegetarian competitor in a sport where animal protein is often assumed to be essential.
His IFBB competition history included appearances on international stages, including the Australian Grand Prix, Mr. Europe Pro and the Toronto Pro. He also competed at events such as the Arnold Classic Europe, and remained one of the most visible faces of Indian bodybuilding on the global circuit.
Ghuman also worked in film, appearing in Punjabi and Bollywood productions. His screen credits included Kabaddi Once More, Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans, Marjaavaan, and a featured role alongside Salman Khan in Tiger 3 — a rare crossover that broadened his audience beyond bodybuilding.
Recognition and roles beyond the stage
Ghuman was known for promoting a vegetarian approach to competitive bodybuilding and for speaking openly about genetics, nutrition, and supplementation. He was selected as a regional ambassador for fitness products in Asia and was widely noted for bringing attention to India’s strength athletes on the world stage.
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The news prompted condolences from public figures and fans. Former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Member of Parliament Sukjinder Singh Randhawa posted:
“Hearing the news of the sudden demise of Punjab’s famous bodybuilder and actor Virender Singh Ghuman ji has left my heart very saddened. With his hard work, discipline, and ability, he illuminated Punjab’s name across the world. May Waheguru ji grant his soul eternal abode at His feet and give strength to the family to bear this sorrowful blow (sic),”
On social media, Ghuman had shared a final post of condolence for another artist; the post read:
“ RIP Brother💔Punjab ate punjabi music industry nu bhut vada ghata hai, Waheguru Pariwar nu bal bakshe (sic).”
Varinder Singh Ghuman leaves behind a complex legacy: a rare example of a top-level vegetarian bodybuilder who translated competitive success into acting roles and became an international face for Indian strength athletes. He helped demonstrate that athletes from India could earn visibility on the pro bodybuilding circuit and also pursue careers in film.
Fitness Volt extends its condolences to Ghuman’s family, friends, and fans. We will update this story if further official details about his condition or funeral arrangements are released.
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