Former Mr Universe and celebrated bodybuilder Manohar Aich passes away

KOLKATA: 104-year-old bodybuilder Manohar Aich, India’s first Mr Universe in 1952, died at his Baguiati, Kolkata, residence this afternoon. Born in the district of Comilla (now in Bangladesh), Aich at just 4-ft-11was not the tallest of competitors. But encouraged by an English officer, he took up bodybuilding during his stint at the Royal Air Force.

Aich’s first big moment came in 1950 when he won the Mr Hercules title and became popular as ‘Pocket Hercules' for his size. The following year, he attempted to win the Mr Universe title in London, but finish second. A determined Aich stayed back and returned only after winning the title in 1952.

He was also jailed for protesting British rule in India, which Aich considered a "turning point". "It was in the jail that I began weight-training seriously. This helped me prepare for the world championship," Aich recalled during an interview on his 100th birthday.

"In jail I used to practice on my own, without equipment, sometimes for 12 hours in a day," he said. Impressed by his dedication, jail authorities even offered him special diet. After independence, he was released from jail and continued to indulge his passion despite financial trouble.