Salman Khan Mourns Varinder Singh Ghuman’s Untimely Death — “Rest in Peace, Praa”

Bollywood and fitness world in shock as bodybuilder-actor Varinder Singh Ghuman dies suddenly at 42

Mumbai / New Delhi (Star Struck Times) — In a sudden and shocking turn, famed bodybuilder-actor Varinder Singh Ghuman passed away on 9 October 2025 in Amritsar, succumbing to a cardiac arrest following a routine shoulder procedure at Fortis Hospital. His demise at age 42 has sent ripples across Bollywood, the fitness world, and his legions of fans, with his longtime co-star Salman Khan among the first from the film fraternity to voice grief.

Ghuman, who had traveled from his hometown in Jalandhar to Amritsar for treatment of shoulder pain, reportedly underwent an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with biceps tenodesis under general anesthesia. The hospital later stated that the surgery proceeded uneventfully with vital signs remaining stable. However, at around 3:35 PM, he developed a sudden cardiac arrhythmia, and despite intensive resuscitation efforts by multiple medical teams, he was declared dead at 5:36 PM.

Within hours of the tragic news, tributes poured in. Salman Khan, who had shared screen space with Ghuman in Tiger 3, posted a poignant message on his X handle:

“Rest In Peace, Praa. Will miss, Paaji”

The news was met with shock by fans and critics alike. One social media user wrote, “How can such strength just perish? RIP, legend,” while another tweeted, “He was an inspiration to so many — gone too soon.”

Friends and family have voiced serious allegations of medical negligence, claiming that Ghuman’s body had turned bluish and that he was left unattended for long during critical moments. They are demanding access to the operation theatre footage and medical records, intensifying speculations surrounding whether the hospital erred in protocol.

In response, Fortis Hospital issued an explanatory statement asserting that Ghuman had no known comorbidities, that the surgery was uneventful, and that the arrhythmia was sudden and unforeseen. The hospital also noted that all standard resuscitation protocols were followed by anesthesia, cardiology, and critical care teams.

Earlier this year, Ghuman had publicly praised Salman Khan for his advocacy during the devastating Punjab floods, further deepening the personal bond the two shared beyond the screen.

Ghuman’s death has also reignited conversations on hidden cardiac risks in highly fit individuals. Health experts point out that even athletes and fitness icons may harbor silent heart vulnerabilities — a sobering reminder amid a culture that often equates fitness with invincibility.

Born in Gurdaspur and residing in Jalandhar, Ghuman first rose to fame after winning the Mr. India title in 2009, later finishing second at Mr. Asia, and becoming the first Indian to secure an IFBB pro card. He was also widely recognized as the world’s first vegetarian professional bodybuilder. On the acting front, he appeared in Kabaddi Once Again (2012), Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014), Marjaavaan (2019), and most recently Tiger 3 (2023).

His passing leaves a void in both the fitness and film sectors. As investigations into the hospital’s conduct continue and public mourning persists, one sentiment prevails: Ghuman’s dedication, discipline, and charisma will long outlast the tragedy of his final moments.

FAQs

Q: What exactly caused Varinder Singh Ghuman’s death?
A: Official statements and hospital records attribute his death to a sudden cardiac arrhythmia following what was considered an uneventful shoulder surgery.

Q: Did Salman Khan publicly comment on his death?
A: Yes. Salman posted on X: “Rest in Peace, Praa. Will miss, Paaji.”

Q: Are there allegations of negligence?
A: Yes. Friends and family allege that Ghuman’s body turned blue and that there was delayed medical intervention. They are demanding OT footage and records.

Q: How old was Ghuman, and what were his achievements?
A: He was 42 and known as India’s pioneering vegetarian bodybuilder, Mr. India titleholder, IFBB pro, and actor in both Hindi and Punjabi films.

Don’t scroll away yet!
The loss of Varinder Singh Ghuman has shaken the entire fitness and film community. What are your thoughts on medical accountability in such cases? Should hospitals face stricter checks after celebrity surgeries?

Share your tributes for Ghuman below — your voice matters.
Comment “Rest in Peace Praa” if his journey inspired you!