The founder of Old Monk, Kapil Mohan recently died at the age of 88 due to a cardiac arrest. We hope his soul rests in peace.

All good things have to come to an end, we’re very happy with the life that Kapil Mohan led. He found Old Monk, a brand of alcohol that achieved such a status in our lives that it became more than just alcohol. I remember during my hostel days, we would smuggle Old Monk in our rooms, and with all the boys inebriated, we would sing SRK’s best songs from the 90s. Love songs like Badi Mushkil Hai and Loveria Hua assumed a new meaning even though 9 out of 10 of us were single. The hangovers and the embarrassing situations did hurt (I once woke up on my hostel stairs) but the Chicken Fried Rices and Butter Chickens too did taste so much better with a little rum in our system.

As our tribute to the man who found this drink, we list down the five things you didn’t know about him.

He was a teetotaller

Would you believe it? Even though he overran several alcohol brands under his company Mohan Meakins Breweries, he himself wouldn’t down even a peg.

He was awarded the Padma Shree

In 2010, Kapil Mohan was awarded the Padma Shree for his contribution to the country. It’s the fourth highest civilian honour bestowed by the government.

Old Monk was for a large time the largest selling liquor brand in India

There’s a reason why Old Monk has achieved cult status, and its cheap price and great taste saw it find many patrons in India and abroad. We might get all the money in the world, but some Old Monk with Thums Up is always welcome.

His company Mohan Meakin ventured into other areas as well

After 1954, when Old Monk was launched, the company grew immensely and Kapil Mohan was incharge. He forayed into glass factories, fruit juices, breakfast food, etc.

He did not advertise 

Mohan was quoted as saying by Business Standard, “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.”