Did You Know How Mumbai's Iconic Duke's Soda Got Its Name?

Duke’s soda used to be a loved drink in Mumbai, quenching the city’s thirst in its “golden era”. Founded by Dinshawji Cooverji Pandole in 1889, the brand quickly became iconic for its unique flavours like raspberry, ginger, and ice cream soda. But the origin of its name, “Duke”, has intrigued many. While many think that the drink’s name has its connections with British colonial era, this is not true. According to the great-grandson of Nawal Pandole the name’s true origins tell a different story entirely.

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“I am a member of the Pandole family that was running the company for about 105 years,” said Nawal as he revealed the connection behind the naming of this famous brand.

He added, “In 1888, Dinshawji Pandole was part of the second Parsee cricket team touring England. He was a bowler. He was very successful as what they call a slow bowler. That means he must have been a spin bowler. He took 80 wickets and in my mind that’s a pretty successful number for one tour of two months.”

Pandole return to India way before the cricket tour ended due to relative’s death and he started Duke’s soda the very next year in 1889.

What’s in a name? The story behind the name of the soda

A name carries more than just letters – it holds meaning, identity, and history. While some names are carefully chosen to convey values or aspirations, others evolve over time. In the case of Duke’s soda, it has its connection to cricket. Yes, you read that right!

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Nawal revealed, “All cricket matches of the time were played using the premier Dukes cricket ball. His incredible haul of 80-plus wickets was also taken with this same Dukes ball. I am successful in cricket with the Dukes ball. I’d like to continue and use that name for my company. And ever since then, it’s been Dukes. There’s no colonial connection, no royalty connection, no British connection except for the fact that the Duke’s ball was made in England.”

Interesting, right?

The iconic Duke’s soda factory in Chembur also lent its name to a Ganpati Mandal in Chembur, whose Ganpati is now famously known as Duke’s che Raja.

Watch the video here:

The video, since being shared, has gained significant traction on Instagram, with many liking the video and some even dropping comments on it. Many in the comments expressed that they missed the famous beverage.

Here’s how people reacted to this video here:

“I miss Duke’s mangola so much! Please bring that iconic drink back,” said an individual.

Another added, “Naval! Such a pleasure seeing him like this.”

“What a great story,” commented a third.

A fourth posted, “The Dukes Mangola was the best drink. Even big brands like Slice and Maza haven’t been able to match the taste and thick consistency of Dukes mangola.”

“Duke’s mangola and soda… nostalgia,” expressed a fifth.

A sixth joined, “Dukes – all flavours were best. Mangola Soda-Lemon Mangola, Ginger.”