Renowned chef, educator and television personality Dr. K. Damodharan, popularly known as Chef Damu, passed away in Chennai on October 25, 2026, at the age of 72 following a brief illness. His death marks the loss of one of Tamil Nadu’s best-known culinary experts, who spent decades promoting Indian food and training young chefs.
Chef Damu became a familiar face in Tamil households through his cooking programmes and television appearances. He gained wide popularity as a judge on Vijay TV’s cooking reality show Cooku with Comali, where his knowledge, friendly nature and sense of humour made him a favourite among viewers.
Born on September 3, 1954, Chef Damu built a career that combined cooking, education and television. He completed his studies in hotel management and catering technology and earned a PhD from the University of Madras in 2004. He was recognised as the first Indian chef to receive a doctorate in this field.
One of his biggest achievements came in December 2010, when he entered the Guinness World Records by preparing 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. This achievement highlighted his cooking skills, hard work and ability to prepare a wide range of dishes. He also wrote cookbooks, conducted cooking workshops and helped train thousands of students and aspiring chefs.
In recognition of his contributions to Indian cuisine and culinary education, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2025. Beyond professional kitchens, he played an important role in making cooking more accessible to the public through television shows and educational programmes. His work helped introduce traditional South Indian food and cooking methods to a wider audience.
In recent years, Chef Damu faced health problems and had been receiving treatment. He had also spoken about his health after being absent from some episodes of Cooku with Comali. His passing has brought sadness to the culinary and television communities, where he was respected for his knowledge and contribution to the field.
Chef Damu leaves behind a lasting legacy through his students, cookbooks, television programmes and achievements. His journey from a hospitality professional to a nationally recognised chef inspired many people who wanted to build a career in cooking. His contribution to Indian cuisine and culinary education will be remembered for years to come.
