Punjabi actor Varinder Singh Ghuman, renowned as the world's first vegetarian bodybuilder, passed away from a heart attack in Amritsar on Thursday, leaving the fitness community stunned. Ghuman, who worked with Salman Khan in Tiger 3 (2023) and featured in films such as Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) and Marjaavaan (2019), was reportedly dealing with shoulder pain prior to his passing.
He went to Fortis Hospital in Amritsar for a minor surgery on his bicep injury. His nephew, Amanjot Singh Ghuman, stated that the actor received treatment at a private hospital in Amritsar but unfortunately passed away due to a cardiac arrest. Reports indicate he was 42 years old.
Ghuman’s death once again highlights a worrying trend, the increasing incidence of heart attacks among bodybuilders, wrestlers, and athletes. In recent years, the fitness and sports world has witnessed several similar tragedies. In India, popular actor and bodybuilder Varinder Singh Ghuman, actor Siddharth Shukla, Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar, and comedian Raju Srivastav all died due to sudden cardiac events, some while working out.
Globally, the wrestling community mourned WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, who died at 71 from a heart attack, while younger wrestlers like Bray Wyatt, Danny Havoc, and John Klinger also succumbed to heart-related complications. These cases have raised serious concerns about the cardiovascular risks associated with high-intensity physical careers and the urgent need for regular heart screenings even among the seemingly fit.
A report by NBC News in July 2025 associates heart attacks in bodybuilders with rigorous training, inadequate nutrition, and the use of steroids. Anabolic steroids can alter cholesterol levels, elevate blood pressure, and cause heart muscle thickening, all of which contribute to an increased risk of heart issues over time.
Varinder Singh Ghuman’s untimely demise serves as a grim reminder that fitness without balance can be fatal. The industry now faces an urgent need to promote heart health awareness, regulate supplement use, and encourage sustainable training practices to safeguard its athletes’ lives.
Behind the chiseled physiques and intense training routines, a hidden health crisis is unfolding in the world of bodybuilding and high-performance fitness. Below are some prevention tips for athletes & bodybuilders:
Prioritize routine cardiac check-ups, even if you appear fit.
Listen to your body, don’t ignore signs of fatigue, chest discomfort, or breathlessness.
Stay hydrated and avoid extreme dehydration methods before competitions.
Ensure adequate rest and recovery between training sessions.
Follow balanced nutrition; avoid crash diets and extreme calorie deficits.
Refrain from using performance-enhancing drugs or supplements without a doctor's guidance. Handle mental stress carefully and do not force yourself to perform when experiencing pain or illness.