A RENOWNED bodybuilding icon who represented Arnold Schwarzenegger’s brand has died aged 42.
Beloved strongman Varinder Singh Ghuman died after suffering a heart attack, his family said.
A towering figure in the Indian bodybuilding community, Varinder, who was also an actor, passed away after going into cardiac arrest on Thursday, his nephew said.
He was at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar undergoing shoulder surgery at the time of his tragic death, doctors told The Tribune.
Varinder was known in the acting world for playing iconic characters in films including Tiger 3 and Kabaddi Once Again.
And he was loved by fans for his herculean physique, immense strength and impressive career.
His manager Yadvinder Singh said Varinder was experiencing shoulder pain before he went to hospital to get checked, local media reported.
Varinder won Mr. India in 2009 and represented Arnold Schwarzenegger’s brand in Asia.
And the popular athlete inspired countless fans throughout his incredible weightlifting journey.
Varinder also secured the runner-up spot at Mr. Asia and became the first ever Indian bodybuilder to earn an International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) pro card.
The decorated star was also said to be the world’s first ever vegetarian bodybuilder.
He was selected by Schwarzenegger to represent his health products in 2013.
Varinder starred in other films such as Marjaavaan and Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans.
He owned a gym and was known as India’s “He-Man”.
Fellow bodybuilder Harminder Dullowal said: “We had never expected that he would meet this fate.
“It is very difficult to accept this loss.”
Devastated social media users poured out to mourn the late athlete.
On Facebook, one fan wrote: “Very sad news RIP God bless his soul and bless his all family and friends.”
Another said: “It’s really sad news. He was an ideal for the youth.
“It’s really horrible news. May he rest in peace!”
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