States » SouthPosted at: Oct 25 2026 11:35AM


Culinary expert and Padma Shri award winner Chef Damu passes away

Chennai, Oct 25 (UNI) Culinary expert and Padma Shri award winner Dr K Damodharan, popularly known as Chef Damu, passed away at a private hospital here on Sunday after a brief illness.
He was 72.
The renowned chef and popular television personality who has taken part in several culinary events, was unwell for the last few days.
He was admitted to a private hospital, where he breathed his last this morning, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning culinary education, television and the promotion of Indian cuisine..
His body was taken to his residence where a large number of people paid their last respects.
Born on September 3, 1954, in Tamil Nadu, Damodharan developed a passion for cooking that grew into a distinguished career in the hospitality industry. With qualifications in hotel management and advanced academic credentials, he combined professional expertise with a deep understanding of traditional Indian cuisine. He earned a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras in 2004.
Chef Damu became a household name through his cooking programmes on Tamil television. His ability to explain recipes in an engaging and accessible manner helped bring culinary knowledge to audiences across generations.
He also won widespread recognition as a judge on Vijay TV's popular reality show "Cooku with Comali", where his expertise, humour and encouraging approach made him a familiar and much-loved presence.
His culinary accomplishments extended beyond television. In December 2010, he entered the Guinness Book of World Records by cooking 617 dishes in a continuous session lasting 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. The achievement demonstrated his remarkable endurance and mastery of a wide range of dishes.
He also acted in brief roles in a couple of films, authored cookbooks, conducted culinary workshops and mentored aspiring chefs, helping promote India's diverse food traditions.
In recognition of his contribution to culinary science and gastronomy, the union Government conferred the Padma Shri in 2025. The award acknowledged his work in popularising Indian cuisine and bringing professional culinary knowledge to a wider audience. Through his academic career, television appearances and public engagements, he helped bridge the gap between professional kitchens and ordinary households.
Chef Damu will be remembered for his passion for food, his contribution to culinary education and his role in making cooking an engaging part of everyday life.
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