Delightful 'Doorman' Dileep

“ I felt so happy. My uniform was colourful and different…felt so proud that day”, Bihar born Dileep Kumar(43) was remembering his first day as the doorman at Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. He never had the ghost of a dream, that one day he will be part of a five star hotel. “ I took charge as the doorman of this hotel on 10th Dec 2015” he adds. Meet Dileep Kumar(43)-the tall, always pleasant, only 'doorman' at the Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, located at Madhapur, Hyderabad.

For the last three years, he has been the face of the hotel porch. Dileep had joined this hotel just 40 days after it was thrown open to the public. He joined as a contractual security staff in 2010. Speaking on his experiences he said " some guests would give me tips, others would talk lovingly while some would even shout at me” ! Why would the guests shout at you? I asked curiously. “some local guests (not staying in the hotel) would want to park their cars in the porch itself whereas that's not allowed, as it causes inconvenience to other guests staying in the hotel. When corrected, they will get angry and start shouting at me….but I don’t care…and we must continue to work with politeness", added Dileep with both humility and self confidence. 

In the Ramayana, Lord Rama was in exile for 14 years learning the lessons of life. Here, Doorman Dileep has also learnt many life lessons from the guests in the last 13 years. (Thankfully, he has never been to the forests like Sri Rama!).He was always standing in the porch- like a load bearing pillar. 

What I like in Dileep is his servitude. He works smilingly. He remembers the guests and connects with them with his inimitable demeanour. He connected with the guest in me also. He took me by surprise when he said “Sir, you had gifted a pen in 2015”, a grateful Dileep remembers fondly. 

I am dazzled by his unwavering enthusiasm.In the capacity of a doorman, he serves the guests at Westin with his prompt and polished service. Justifiably, he has achieved a venerable reputation. Dileep is married to Pooja Devi and is blessed with two sons- Akshay Kumar(08) and Raj Kumar(06). He does not have much interest in material things including cell phones and credit cards. He is happy with whatever God has given him so far ! 

I have been staying in Westin, Hyderabad since yesterday, in connection with my lecture engagements. I had invited Dileep to my room for interviewing him for this blog. “ Sir, though I have been working in this hotel for the last 13 years, it is for the first time that I am sitting with the guest in his room. Thank you Sir” …once again Dileep’s gratitude was clearly evident.

                                                                                                   Dileep with Front office Manager Ravindra Singh Rathore

 Text and Pics by R.Kesava Mallia at Hyderabad