Even though he is less than 3 feet tall, Phagwara's Aditya 'Romeo' Dev is rapidly gaining international recognition for being the world's smallest bodybuilder.
Romeo, who is only 2 feet, 9 inches tall, has become the focus of all eyes for his ability to lift 1.5 kg dumbbells -- despite his overall 9 kg body weight, the Daily Mail reported.
Everyday the local gymnasium in Phagwara is flooded with people wanting to get a glimpse of Romeo -- named in 2006 by the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest bodybuilder on the planet -- working out.
He is blessed with a well-proportioned body, with head circumference of 15 inches and chest measurement of 20 inches.
"I've been training as a bodybuilder for the last two years and by now I think I must be the strongest dwarf in the world. I have always been fit but since I started working out, I have become famous for my strength," he told the Daily Mail.
His trainer, Ranjeet Pal, revealed how the 19-year-old worked on his small muscles under his supervision.
"Because of his small size, I don't assign him hard exercises. But Romeo trains more or less the same as anyone else and he's much more determined. When he first started, I insisted he did a month of basic exercises like aerobics, push-ups and basic gymnastics to prepare his body," Pal said.
"After that, I made lightweight dumbbells and taught him basic weight-lifting exercises to shape his biceps and triceps. His size and his weight were taken care of so that he never hurt himself."
Romeo is now working on his dancing skills and is hoping to have an entertainment career. He has already performed in many local television shows, but is eyeing the international audience.
"My size has never stopped me. I train with dumbbells and do aerobics and dance. People are always pleased to see me. I have been invited on TV shows and dance on stage," he said.
"I earn good money through my dance and bodybuilding shows, but being rich doesn't interest me. My dream is to travel a lot. I want to perform in London with my idol, Jazzy-B."
