KAPILA MOHOTTI the man who grew from scratch

In honour of Hilton Colombo celebrating its jubilee anniversary, we get to know about the people who have been there from the time the hotel began to grow and how starting their life there brought them to great heights. This is story of Kapila Mohotti who is the Food & Beverage Manager and who has grown with the Hilton Colombo over the past 25 years.

The beginnings

Having always been passionate about the hospitality industry, Kapila Mohotti began his dream journey while he was doing his Advance Levels. He fondly recalls the memories of speaking to his father about joining the hotel industry, because at the time it was considered a generic profession to pursue. He started his career in the industry as a trainee steward at the Triton Ahungalla from 1985 to 1986, then moved on to working at the Galadari Hotel for another year. "I always knew I belonged in this industry", Kapila stated.

The Hilton journey

"I saw a vacancy ad in the newspaper for a trainee steward position and just grabbed the opportunity. It was always my aspiration to join the Hilton Colombo, I mean it was the Hilton chain of hotels after all", Kapila added. Starting at the Hilton from its inception at the age of 19, Kapila was always fascinated with the Blue Elephant Club - the first International Club in Sri Lanka - the venue known to be a notch above all other clubs and always knew how to attract Sri Lanka's socialites. For Kapila it was a venue where people knew about partying in style with the elegant interior and music that could get anyone on their feet.

Always having a deep passion for music Kapila asked the then resident DJ, Bunty, to help him learn the skills of becoming a professional DJ. This led to him practicing every day before or after his shifts. Taking his time to learn all the essentials, Kapila continued to learn and practice during all his spare time. "It took a while but when I finally got it I was so thrilled", he said. The one night he was asked to DJ at the Blue Elephant was clearly the day that changed his life. With the crowd enjoying every minute of his music mix, it was a proud moment for Kapila.

When Bunty decided to part ways with the Blue Elephant, Kapila was appointed as the resident DJ of the Club, with this new role in life he fondly remembered how he felt at the time. "I felt like everything was falling into place and I was on top of the world". He proudly stated that during his time at the Blue E lephant, it was known as one of the Top 10 clubs in Asia.

While playing at the Blue Elephant he also grew within the ranks at the Hilton. In 1994 Kapila was appointed as Restaurant Manager for seven years, then in 2004 he was promoted to the post of Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, and in 2008 he was promoted to the position he currently holds now which is the F&B Manager.

The F&B department

"We have never compromised on the quality that we provide. People often ask me 'Why are you still here?' and my only reply to them is 'Why not?' I am happy here, I am completely content with what I do," said Kapila. It was not like there were no opportunities knocking on his door; it was always the Hilton that his heart belonged to. With his role constantly changing, he has evolved through the years and the department remains acclaimed for its quality and service which always leaves diners with a memorable experience.

Hilton's evolution

The Hilton Colombo has definitely evolved and grown through the years.

Kapila spoke passionately on how he would stand up to anyone in this city who could compare to what Hilton has delivered in the past and to what they deliver today.

The service, food and quality have always been number one at the Hilton. He went on to say that the Hilton has grown in the industry and has had the time to experience first-hand as to what really works in Colombo. The hotel constantly strives to take its service and quality aspects to the next level.

Commenting and comparing the Hilton of 1987 to the Hilton of today, Kapila stated, "the hotel has come a long way.

With the DJs of yesteryear

Grooving up the night

Together the team has achieved many feats and has continued to remain the trend setters in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry. From celebrating Valentine's Day to Oktoberfest to Mother's and Father's Day the Hilton is the first local hotel that initiated these trends and special days. The Hotel even hosted the first successful Halloween night for Sri Lanka in 1988 with members from the team going all the way to Singapore for the decorations. As I said it has always been the best."

The Hilton Colombo has provided 25 years of remarkable service for this city and people still love the Hilton Colombo.

"We understand the pulse of the people, we know their hearts and their taste are entwined, so it's easy for us to achieve our targets, which is ultimately our customer's satisfaction", he stated.

Everything at the hotel has not always been hearty with the team having experienced their share of difficult times but they have worked together and emerged victorious.

As a hotelier, Kapila has travelled the world, seeing many other hotels and the challenging new ways and concepts they are implementing to overcome the everyday challenges, Kapila has seen how the competition operates. Hilton has invested a lot in Kapila, and he ensures to strive to keep up to the Hilton standard globally. Kapila was sent by the Hilton Colombo to Cornell University in Singapore where he had the opportunity to learn strategic marketing for hotels and restaurants. Like Kapila, there are many who have almost grown at the Hilton and had the opportunity to achieve their dreams and goals.

Looking ahead

Kapila speaks fondly of his mentors Bunty, who was the reason he got into music and Gamini Fernando who gave him the authority.

He still speaks fondly of Fernando and remembers how he would refer to the Blue Elephant as 'Kapila's Club'.

He further adds that it was the support of his Managers, Director of Operations, GMs and most importantly his wife, who got him to the position he is in now, and for all their support and advice he received over the years.

"I have gone through a lot here. I would definitely say that 'Kapila Mohotti' was born at the Hilton I have achieved everything I wanted to achieve. I met my wife here and married her here. It's my other home and I'm another pillar here". Words don't seem to sum up Kapila's experience at the Hilton.

Every single moment has clearly been an exciting learning curve for him.