Deepak Bathija - 'leave it to us' Deepak Bathija - 'leave it to us'

Two ingenuous 22-year-old commerce graduates, Ravi Chhabria and Deepak Bathija, hit a veritable jackpot. In October 1977, with a capital of Rs 10,000, they started "Dial Services" in Bombay. The annual turnover now runs into lakhs.

Anyone wanting tickets for the latest Hindi potboiler but is too lazy or busy to go out and get them personally has just to lift the telephone receiver and dial 389755. Probably the first and only agency of its kind, Dial Services undertake every task from fixing leaky taps to hiring cars and baby-sitters.

After qualifying as interior decorators, Chhabria and Bathija banded together to form the agency which could tackle a variety of problems. Services offered also include payment of bills, renewal of licences, ration and milk cards, pest control and general delivery and errands.

The agency now has 225 members on its rolls, including Larsen and Toubro", Khandelwals and several consulates. On paying Rs 25, a customer is entitled to all the services plus anything else which, Bathija says, "is feasible to provide". Gushes one satisfied customer: "They are very efficient. All the plumbing and electrical jobs were done to my satisfaction."

Growing Clientele: Operating from its cramped quarters in central Bombay, the agency has over 15 full-time workers who sport blue uniforms with the company motif emblazoned on their chests. The pressure of commitments is so great that many craftsmen are given temporary employment.

Explains Bathija: "The idea has caught on. The business is rapidly expanding. Our clientele is taking heed of our motto: Live it up and leave it to us."