Manohar Aich is a legend in the world of bodybuilding. He recently passed away, right around the same time as Ali and Kimbo Slice, so his passing was overshadowed in the media, but his influence on the world of fitness, bodybuilding, and his inspiration to everyone that they can overcome any obstacle will never be overshadowed.
He didn’t just inspire shorter guys to lift, he inspired everyone he came across. He has been overcoming obstacles since a very young age. As a child, he had two very dangerous illnesses that were sweeping India at the time, Asiatic cholera and kala azar, also known as black fever or leishmaniasis.
He started off by showing off his physique at local fairs and carnivals, until he was noticed by the Royal Indian Air Force and hired as a trainer. He spent a great deal of his life training other people, not just focusing on himself. Even later on in his life, he opened a gym where he served as a mentor and idol to up and coming lifters.
He had protested against the British control of India, and actually slapped a British officer. He was jailed for his actions, but the guards encouraged him to keep training while he was locked up.
“A court-martial and jail time ensued but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The jailer had been very kind and allowed me to train. In fact, he encouraged it. Then, I was shifted to the Alipore Presidency Jail but release followed as India won her freedom,” he reminisced.
After being released, he got a job with the railway which allowed him to continue working on his physique. At 40 years old, he made one of the most significant lifts of his life – which was lifting up the Mr. Universe trophy, but his journey was far from over.
“I didn’t become rich. There is not much money in bodybuilding,” Aich said in an interview with an Indian newspaper. “But there is respect. And for that, I wouldn’t mind being a bodybuilder in my next life as well.”
Respect to this legendary man, rest in Peace, Mr. Aich. Your legacy lives on. The next time you guys hit the gym, right at the end of your last set when it starts to feel impossible to get another rep in, think of Manohar and push yourself just a little bit harder.
