Let's raise a toast to Kapil Mohan: Tributes pour in for man behind iconic Old Monk

For generations of Indians, Old Monk with coke is a sentiment.

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Brigadier (retd.) Kapil Mohan, the man behind the iconic Old Monk rum brand, passed away on January 6 in Ghaziabad at the age of 88.

The former Chairman and MD of Mohan Meakin Ltd., the maker of Old Monk among other liquors, reportedly died following a cardiac arrest at his residence.

Old Monk was launched on December 19, 1954, and Kapil is credited with the success and cult status the brand enjoys today.

He is also the man behind other famous brands such as Solan No. 1 and Golden Eagle.

Interestingly, the man himself was a teetotaler.

Old Monk used to be the undisputed single brand leader in the branded spirits market in the country till 2002. But over the years that company has been struggling due to rising competition in the industry and changing trends.

However, for generations of Indians, Old Monk with coke is still a sentiment.

And much of its popularity was because of word of mouth recommendations and advertisements.

In a 2012 interview, Kapil had said, "We do not advertise. I will not, and as long as I am in this chair, we will not (advertise). The best way of my advertising is the product: When it comes to you and you taste it, you look at the difference and ask what is it. That is the best advertisement."

Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the man who few knew personally, but who seems to have touched the lives of a countless many.

Kapil Mohan, man behind the success of Old Monk, passes away at 88 https://t.co/bjgZH4898E @Aadimanaw :( Another legend which gave an outstanding brand with we Indians can boast about outside India. #oldmonk #indianrum pic.twitter.com/iuSV1nZVsE — Abhinav Kumar (@singhabhinav) January 8, 2018

#OldMonk rum's been delightful companion of #IndianArmy 4 as long as we remember! HisGorkhaSoldiers woud boast 2 Dad 'sir, with old monk in 1 hand, 'Khukri' (Gorkha traditional knife) in another, We'll go Attack even Hell' !!RIP Brig Mohan pic.twitter.com/1jdMHDagk0 — Tashi &Nungshi Malik (@NungshiTashi) January 9, 2018

Can't belive... The man who's Brand ' Old Monk ' i drank as a teenager with my College folks is no More ... will miss u! But the Monk will be alive in Hearts of all #OldMonk #KapilMohan pic.twitter.com/XzdtcnPwMi — Poonam Pandey (@iPoonampandey) January 8, 2018

A man is known for the work he does for the society so will be Dr. Kapil Mohan. #RIP #oldmonk #very true pic.twitter.com/sA3mpTkyi5 — Chetan Pawar (@babahasmukh) January 8, 2018

Our condolences to Mr. Kapil Mohan’s family, his creation has helped many people make a lot of memories. #OldMonkhttps://t.co/hgplmeg2vb — MissMalini (@MissMalini) January 9, 2018

Thank you Brigadier Kapil Mohan for giving us the solution for everything.

RIP #BrigadierKapilMohan.#OldMonk pic.twitter.com/HKhXXGTQdc — The Timeliners (@the_timeliners) January 9, 2018

Thank you Sir! You will be part of our lives forever, in good times & not so! #OldMonk https://t.co/mVMk1dtTCU — Nakuul Mehta (@NakuulMehta) January 9, 2018

Let's raise a toast to #KapilMohan!#OldMonk and Coke wherever you are pic.twitter.com/j36SreVPbr — Ashwin Mushran (@ashwinmushran) January 9, 2018

Rest in peace Brig #KapilMohan, the man behind #OldMonk. You have touched millions lives pic.twitter.com/klyAcCy1CH January 8, 2018

Kapil Mohan the man creditable for the iconic Old Monk dies at 88.

I would'nt just say R.I.P but a thousand cheers to the monk of good times. #TeamOldMonk #OldMonk — Heer (@m_hiral) January 9, 2018

The only thing that unites India across religious and caste lines. We should all drink to his honor today #OldMonk

Kapil Mohan, the creator of ‘Old Monk’ rum, dies at 88 https://t.co/rT8e2BhiyU via @scroll_in — Arvinder Gujral (@arvindergujral) January 8, 2018