Former Physical Instructor in the Royal Air Force Cum Bodybuilder, Manohar Aich Dies at His age 104

Manohar Aich began his career as a stunt man performing with a famous magician and would often enthral the audience by bending steel with his teeth or resting his belly on swords. He once stood for election and lost, gave his last performance at the age of 89.

After getting a job as a physical instructor in the Royal Air Force in British India in 1942, Mr Aich led his team to rebel against what he felt was the “oppression” of their British commanders.

“He was an inspiration to everyone, young and old. Death is inevitable but Manohar Aich will be remembered by all, across every sporting discipline,” footballer Chuni Goswami told the press.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Mr Aich’s death had “ended a historic era”.

“He made us proud,” Ms Banerjee said.

Tributes have been paid to a celebrated Indian body-builder, Manohar Aich, who has died in the city of Kolkata (Calcutta), aged 104.

Mr Aich died of age-related “complications” on Sunday, his family said. He is survived by four children.

Mr Aich was the first Indian to become Mr Universe in 1952, five years after the country’s independence.

The 1.49m (4ft 10in) tall bodybuilder was popularly known as “Pocket Hercules”.