14 DAY TRIAL // He might not have too many teeth left, but Manohar Aich is still stronger than your average pensioner. Not just that, but the former Mr. Universe 1952, also dubbed “Pocket Hercules,” has just turned 100.
The former bodybuilder celebrated his birthday surrounded by family, beaming happiness, ABC News informs.
In fact, he credits his happiness-focused lifestyle and his healthy and simple diet with his longevity.
“Aich won the Mr. Universe international bodybuilding championship in 1952. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Kolkata, an eastern city in India,” ABC says.
He stands just 4 feet 11 inches (1.49 meters) tall, which has earned him the name of Pocket Hercules back in the day.
Judging by the photos available online, snapped on the occasion of his 100th birthday, he's still in very good shape, better than many other men younger than himself.
Asked about his secret for such a long and healthy life, Aich says it's in his diet and attitude.
The former comprises milk, vegetables and fruits, lentils, rice, milk and fish. The latter is all about opting for methods to minimize stress and focus mainly on happiness.
Aich turned to bodybuilding in the '40s, while serving time in prison for opposing Britain's rule of India.
When he got out, he started traveling the world and taking part in competitions, raising money for the family he had left at home.
He says he didn't win a fortune from bodybuilding, but he made enough to provide for his family.
When he retired from competitions, he returned home and started to train others interested in making a career out of bodybuilding.
“I didn’t become rich. There is not much money in bodybuilding. But there is respect. And for that, I wouldn’t mind being a bodybuilder in my next life as well,” he says.
The 100-year-old Pocket Hercules has just one regret: and that's never having the chance to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger, his fellow Mr. Universe.