Bodybuilder Manohar Aich, 104, who was once a household name in Bengal after becoming India's first Mr Universe in 1952, died at his Calcutta residence this afternoon, according to family sources.
Aich, who turned 104 on March 17, had become India's first Mr Universe when he won the 1952 National Amateur Body-Builders' Association Universe Championships.
Encouraged by English officer Reub Martin, Aich took up bodybuilding and made this his passion during his stint at the Royal Air Force under British colonial rulers.
He also went on to serve jail term when some years later he protested against colonial oppression, something which Aich considered as "turning point" in his life.
"In jail I used to practice on my own, without any equipment, sometimes for 12 hours in a day," he recalled.
Aich's first moment of reckoning came in 1950 when he won the Mr Hercules title and went on to be known as 'Hercules of India' and 'Pocket Hercules' for his pint-size.
Source: Supplied
The following year, he attempted the Mr Universe title in London only to finish runner-up but a determined Aich did not return.
He returned only after winning the coveted title in 1952.
He also later went on to win gold medals in Asian Body Building Championships.
Another protege, Premchand Dogra, won the Mr Universe title in 1988.
Source: Supplied
Source: Supplied
However Aich died with a regret - of not able to meet his more celebrated counterpart and fellow Mr Universe winner Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"His stunts in the movies were incredible," Aich had said.
