Indian bodybuilding legend, Manohar Aich passed away yesterday at his home in Kolkata. Born in 1912 in Dhamti Village (now in Bangladesh), he always lead a disciplined life to achieve mountainous health goals.

During the British Raj, he served the Royal Air Force as an officer, where he focused on bodybuilding, which helped him bag the prestigious Mr. Universe label in 1952. However, during this period, he faced court-martial and jail-term for participating in Quit India Movement in 1942.

Still, his goal was never out of his sight. He was released right after India got independence. He kept working hard on his physique. He used to do private bodybuilding shows to earn his bread and butter, and he also worked for British Rail in early 50s in London, before finally getting his Mr. Universe Title in 1952.

In 1951 too, Manohar participated in the Mr. Universe competition, but he faced a tough competition from Monotosh Roy, and was eliminated in selection rounds. Monootsh Roy was the first person to be crowned with Mr. Universe title. As published in the Hindustan Times, Montosh Roy was the only other person Aich ever respected.

With a height of 4 feet 11 inches, and a superhuman-like physique, he was framed as ‘Pocket Hercules’ during the competition. Some also named him Baahubali. However, he liked all the titles given to him.