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.
Kottarapattu Chattu Kuttan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Kottarapattu Chattu Kuttan 15 February 1920 |
| Died | 18 November 2014 (aged 94) |
| Occupation | Doorman |
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
editKuttan was born in 1920[4] in the present day Kerala state of Southern India. At age 19, after his mother's death, Kuttan left home without telling his two brothers and three sisters. He arrived at the northern seaport town of Talaimannar of Sri Lanka (then 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
editKuttan 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
editAfter 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
editThe image of K.C. Kuttan is the avatar for the chat feature on the Galle Face Hotel's website.[13]
References
edit- ^ Amina Nazarli (26 January 2015). "Do you like your job?". www.azernews.az. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ S.H.Moulana (16 March 2013). "Lanka's legendary doorman". Asian Tribune. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ "Iconic Indian-origin hotel doorman dies in Lanka at 94". The Hindu. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ "'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.
- ^ "Kuttan marks 90th birthday". Daily News (Sri Lanka). 13 February 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ "Sri Lanka's legendary doorman turns 90". ABC Online. 14 February 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Sri Lanka's legendary doorman turns 90". Ada Derana. 13 February 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ "Kuttan no more". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 18 November 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Charles Haviland (18 November 2014). "Sri Lanka's famous Galle Face Hotel doorman dies". BBC News Online. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Galle Face Hotel". Retrieved 14 November 2023.
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