Biography

In his 90s, he could still hold the sirsasana (headstand) for half an hour.

Among his devotees were novelist Aldous Huxley, violinist Yehudi Menuhin, actress Annette Bening, and fashion designer Donna Karan, as well as prominent Indian figures, from cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to Bollywood siren Kareena Kapoor.

Credited with popularizing yoga internationally.

He was the 11th of 13 children in his family, and was born during an influenza epidemic. He survived tuberculosis, typhoid, and malaria as a child, and credited yoga with restoring him from frail health.

He was the founder of Iyengar yoga, which is now taught in more than 70 countries. It is characterized by long asanas (postures) that require great discipline. His books have been translated into 13 languages.