Kolkata: A former Mr Universe who has just turned 100 said yesterday that happiness and a life without tensions are the key to his longevity.
Manohar Aich, who is 150 centimetres tall, overcame many hurdles, including grinding poverty and a stint in prison, to achieve body building glory.
His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered yesterday in the eastern city of Kolkata to celebrate his birthday the day before.
Hindu priests chanted prayers while a feast was laid out to honour Aich, winner of the 1952 Mr Universe title.
Rippling his muscles and flashing a toothless grin, Aich says his ability to take his troubles lightly and remain happy during difficult times are the secrets to his long life.
That, and a simple diet of milk, fruits and vegetables along with rice, lentils and fish have kept him healthy.
He does not smoke and has never touched alcohol, he said. "I never allow any sort of tension to grip me. I had to struggle to earn money since my young days, but whatever the situation, I remained happy," Aich said.
Aich, who was born in the small town of Comilla in Bengal, was a puny youngster. But he was attracted to exercising and building his muscles when as a schoolboy he saw a group of wrestlers in action.
After leaving school in 1942, he joined the Royal Air Force under India's British colonial rulers and it was there that he began body building. Some years later, however, he was thrown into prison when he protested against colonial oppression.
Struggle to survive
India's independence in 1947 led to Aich's release from jail. Dogged by poverty, Aich and his wife struggled to put their four children through school.
His 1950 win of a "Mr Hercules" contest spurred him on to set his sights on the Mr Universe tournament in London. He won the title in 1952.
Among his regrets, Aich says, is that he never had a chance to meet fellow Mr Universe winner Arnold Schwarzenegger. But Aich says he's seen many of Schwarzenegger's action films. "I like the incredible stunts he does in the movies," Aich said.
