Kottarapattu Chattu Kuttan

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Kottarapattu Chattu Kuttan
Trichur, Kerala, India
Died18 November 2014(2014-11-18) (aged 94)
OccupationDoorman

Kottarapattu Chattu Kuttan (Sinhala: කොට්ටරපට්ටු චට්ටු කුට්ටන්) was an iconic Sri Lanka doorman at the Galle Face Hotel[1] in Colombo. He is considered as one of the oldest and most famous hotel employees in the world.[2] He became the trademark of Sri Lanka's hospitality industry and was known for his friendly manner, excellent memory for guests and white hair with a handlebar mustache. His photograph adorned the covers of many travel magazines all over the world.

He had been part of Galle Face Hotel's culture since 1942, working as a waiter, bell boy and finally as a doorman for seven decades.[3]

Early life

Kuttan was born in 1920

Ceylon), by crossing the sea. He then made his way to Colombo in 1938, with 25 rupees and the clothes he was wearing.[5][6]

In Colombo, before getting a job at Galle Face Hotel in 1942, he worked as a domestic servant for one of Colombo's elite families .[7] He married a Sri Lankan Christian.

Career at Galle Face Hotel

Kuttan started as a waiter, then became a bell boy, before finally becoming a doorman, continuing into his 90s.[8] He hobnobbed with guests from all over the world[9] and served many dignitaries.[10]

Death

After suffering a brief illness, Kuttan died on 18 November 2014 at the age of 94.[11] He had amassed more than 72 years of hospitality service.[12]

Legacy

The image of K.C. Kuttan is the avatar for the chat feature on the Galle Face Hotel's website.[13]

References

  1. ^ Amina Nazarli (26 January 2015). "Do you like your job?". www.azernews.az. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  2. ^ S.H.Moulana (16 March 2013). "Lanka's legendary doorman". Asian Tribune. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  3. ^ "Iconic Indian-origin hotel doorman dies in Lanka at 94". The Hindu. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  4. ^ "'Kuttan' Of Galle Face Hotel Turns 91". The Sunday Leader. 27 February 2011. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  5. ^ "Kuttan marks 90th birthday". Daily News (Sri Lanka). 13 February 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  6. ABC Online
    . 14 February 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  7. ^ "Sri Lanka's legendary doorman going strong at 90". Saudi Gazette. 19 February 2010. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  8. ^ "Sri Lanka's oldest hotel doorman, a legend at Galle Face Hotel, dies at 94". South China Morning Post. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  9. Ada Derana
    . 13 February 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  10. The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
    . 18 November 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  11. ^ Charles Haviland (18 November 2014). "Sri Lanka's famous Galle Face Hotel doorman dies". BBC News Online. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  12. ^ "Legendary Sri Lankan hotel doorman dies aged 94". Lonely Planet. 19 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  13. ^ "Galle Face Hotel". Retrieved 14 November 2023.