Bodybuilder Varinder Singh Ghuman dies after surgery; Family alleges medical negligence

In a viral video, Ghuman’s friends were seen confronting hospital staff and demanding access to the operation theatre footage and medical records. They alleged that his body had turned blue, suggesting possible medical negligence.

In response, the hospital released a statement clarifying that Ghuman was examined on October 6 for pain and limited movement in his right shoulder. Based on the evaluation, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with biceps tenodesis was recommended, and he reportedly had no prior health issues. The hospital further stated that Ghuman underwent the procedure under general anaesthesia on October 9, which was completed around 3 p.m. without complications, and his vital signs remained stable throughout, according to reports by the Times of India.

"At approximately 3:35 pm, the patient developed a sudden cardiac arrhythmia. The anaesthesia, cardiology, cardiac anaesthesia, and critical care teams immediately initiated advanced resuscitation measures. Despite sustained and coordinated efforts, the patient could not be revived and was declared dead at 5:36 pm," reads the statement.

Ghuman, who was 6 feet 2 inches tall, won the Mr India title in 2009 and had secured second place in the Mr Asia pageant. The 41-year-old Ghuman had worked with superstar Salman Khan in the film 'Tiger-3' in 2023 and other Hindi films like 'Roar: Tigers of Sundarbans' in 2014 and 'Marjaavan' in 2019. He also worked in the Punjabi film 'Kabaddi Once Again' in 2012.

He had also expressed his desire to contest the Punjab assembly polls in 2027. Politicians across party lines condoled his demise. Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu called Ghuman the “pride of Punjab” and termed his death an “irreparable loss for the country.” Congress MP and former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa credited Ghuman with bringing glory to Punjab, reports PTI.

"Passing away of the pride of Punjab, ‘the He-Man of India,’ Varinder Ghuman ji, is an irreparable loss for the country. He set new standards in the world of fitness with his hard work and vegetarian lifestyle. His life will always be a source of inspiration for the youth," the BJP leader said on X.

"He was a devoted vegetarian, built his body with discipline and grace. May Waheguru grant his departed soul eternal peace and give strength to his family to bear this loss." Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal too expressed grief and said, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the untimely passing of international bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman. Varinder worked very hard and achieved great heights in his life; he was an inspiration for our youth."

Many have expressed condolences over the untimely demise of the renowned bodybuilder. Superstar Salman Khan also expressed his grief over the death of Ghuman. Dr Alka Walavalkar stated, “Another life lost too soon. Varinder Singh Ghuman’s passing reminds us that the body’s limits aren’t meant to be ignored. A strong physique means little if the heart isn’t cared for.”