Former Mr Universe ‘Pocket Hercules’ Manohar Aich Dies at 104

Jailed for protesting against the British Raj, Aich practiced his metal-bending skills on the bars of his cell.

Manohar Aich continued to perform on shows till he was 89 years old. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Manohar Aich)

The muscleman of India and Mr Universe 1952, Manohar Aich passed away on Sunday at the age of 104.

Aich had earned himself the nickname “Pocket Hercules” for packing so much muscle into his minuscule 4ft-11in frame.

He began weight training in 1942, finding his stride in prison where he was incarcerated for protesting against British treatment of Indians while in the Royal Air Force.

Released from prison when India became independent, Aich continued weight training while working as a coconut vendor at Sealdah station in Kolkata.

With funds raised from private bodybuilding shows, Aich made his first attempt at the Mr Universe competition in London in 1951, but failed. However, Aich stayed back in London for another year, preparing for and succeeding in the 1952 edition of the competition.

Following his Mr Universe win, Aich continued to perform shows for many decades, giving his last major performance at the age of 89.

Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim