Culinary Icon Chef Damu Passes Away at 72
Renowned culinary expert and Cooku With Comali judge Chef Damu has passed away at 72. Read about his Guinness World Record and Padma Shri legacy.
The culinary and entertainment world is in mourning as the beloved celebrity chef K. Damodaran, affectionately known to millions as Chef Damu, has passed away at the age of 72. A titan of the kitchen and a household name in Tamil television, his departure marks the end of an era for those who admired his passion for food and his infectious personality.
A Television Favorite: The 'Cooku With Comali' Legacy
While he was a master of the craft, Chef Damu found immense popularity through the small screen. He became a staple of Vijay TV, most notably as a judge on the hit show ‘Cooku with Comali’. The program, which blended the intensity of cooking competitions with lighthearted comedy, allowed Chef Damu to showcase his gentle humor and mentorship.
Viewers grew fond of his ability to break down complex professional cooking techniques into simple, understandable advice for contestants, making the art of gastronomy accessible to the common man.
Breaking World Records and Earning National Honors
Chef Damu's career was defined by a spirit of ambition and a drive to push boundaries. His dedication to the culinary arts earned him a place in history and the highest honors of the land:
- Guinness World Record: In December 2010, he achieved a staggering feat by cooking 617 dishes, totaling 190 kg, in just 24 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds.
- Culinary Challenges: His appetite for records didn't stop there; he famously prepared a 14.7-metre dosa in Madurai and crafted the world's largest curry in Singapore.
- Padma Shri: In January 2025, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, recognizing his lifelong contribution to the culinary arts and his role in inspiring countless professionals in the food industry.
From IHM to the Silver Screen
Born in 1954, Chef Damu's journey began at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Chennai. He started his professional path as a management trainee with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, laying the foundation for a career that would span decades.
Beyond the kitchen and television judging, his charisma led him to appear in several Tamil films, further cementing his status as a versatile public figure.
Tributes Pour In
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed his deep condolences via a post on X, describing the chef's passing as a significant loss to the field of culinary arts. The Chief Minister praised Chef Damu for his unique approach to cooking and his commitment to bringing the art of the kitchen to the general public through television.
"Through his culinary expertise and unique approach, he brought the art of cooking to the people via television programs... His demise is a great loss to the culinary arts field."