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

Aich died of age-related ‘complications’ on Sunday, his family said. He is survived by four children, reports the BBC.

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

The 1.49m tall bodybuilder was popularly known as ‘Pocket Hercules’.

He began his career as a stunt man performing with a famous magician and would often enthrall the audience by bending steel with his teeth or resting his belly on swords.

Aich, who once stood for election and lost, gave his last performance at the age of 89.

‘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 Indian Express newspaper.

India’s West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said Aich’s death had ‘ended a historic era’.

‘He made us proud,’ Banerjee said.

BDST: 1310 HRS, JUN 06, 2016
RR