Asia People

RIP K. Chattu Kuttan: Worked in Hotel Since WWII

November 19, 2014885 views0

kuttaK. Chattu Kuttan Photo: Russ Johnson

Doorman K. Chattu Kuttan greeted the world at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka for 72 years.

I remember him from when I first visited, and stayed, at the Galle Face in the early 90s (I shot the above picture in 2009). Kuttan wanted to retire from his job as a waiter in 1980, but the hotel insisted that he stay and put him up front, where he stood ever since. Kutan remembers 1942 when he witnessed a Japanese Zero crash land on the hotel grounds.

The Galle Face is one of those so-and-so slept here hotels that has hosted kings, presidents, movie stars, not to mention some high-profile scoundrels.

Kottarappu Chattu Kuttan RIP

Russell Johnson

Russ Johnson, a writer, photographer and filmmaker, is the creator and editor of The Connected Traveler, author of the book and audio book Tales of the Radio Traveler and host of the podcast "Gone Astray" on all major podcast platforms.