Renowned chef K Damodaran, popularly known as Chef Damu, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at a private hospital in Chennai. He was 72 and had reportedly been unwell for some time. His death marks a significant loss for the Indian culinary industry, where he earned widespread recognition for his cooking expertise and memorable television appearances.
Born on September 3, 1954, Chef Damodaran built an impressive career, rising from humble beginnings to become a celebrated name in the culinary world. In recent years, he had been using a wheelchair following a hip fracture and knee surgery. His death was attributed to a brief illness associated with old age. He is survived by his wife, Usha, and daughter, Akshaya.
Chef Damu’s Remarkable Career and Achievements
Chef Damu made history in 2004 by becoming the first Indian chef to earn a PhD in Hotel Management from the University of Madras. His professional journey was marked by several notable accomplishments that established him as a prominent figure in Indian cuisine.
In 2010, he secured a place in the Guinness World Records by preparing 617 dishes during a continuous cooking marathon lasting 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. The record-setting attempt involved 190 kg of ingredients and six cooking ranges.
His contributions to the culinary field received further recognition in 2025, when he was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India’s prestigious civilian awards.
Beyond his achievements in the kitchen, Chef Damu authored 21 cookbooks and documented thousands of recipes. He also served as president of the South Indian Chef Association (SICA). In 2021, he received the Culinary Legend Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to the profession.
Television Made Chef Damu a Household Name
Chef Damu gained immense popularity through his role as a judge on Vijay TV’s Tamil cooking reality show Cooku With Comali. His friendly personality, encouraging approach and distinctive expressions made him a favourite among viewers, who affectionately called him ‘Damu Appa’.
Through television, he helped bring culinary knowledge to a wider audience and made cooking more accessible to viewers. His ability to combine expertise with an approachable style played an important role in building his connection with audiences across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
His contributions also extended to culinary education, where he mentored aspiring chefs. He worked towards improving food quality in Tamil Nadu’s school meal programmes and helped promote traditional South Indian flavours and cooking practices.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Expresses Grief
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed his condolences following Chef Damu’s death, remembering his contribution to popularising cooking through television programmes.
In a post on X, Vijay acknowledged the chef’s culinary achievements, including his Guinness World Record and Padma Shri recognition.
“The passing of Mr K Damodaran, renowned culinary artist known as Chef Damu, brings immense sorrow,” the Chief Minister wrote.
He further noted that Chef Damu had introduced the art of cooking to the public through his expertise and distinctive television presence. Referring to the chef’s 2010 Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon and his Padma Shri award, Vijay described his passing as a major loss for the culinary field.
The Chief Minister also extended his condolences and sympathies to the chef’s family, relatives, friends and admirers.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Chef Damu’s influence reached far beyond his record-breaking achievements and television appearances. Through his cookbooks, mentorship, culinary education initiatives and efforts to preserve regional food traditions, he helped inspire both established professionals and aspiring chefs.
His passion for cooking, enthusiasm and memorable expressions, including “top-notch” and “fantabulous”, became an integral part of his public persona.
As tributes pour in following his passing, Chef Damu will be remembered for his lasting contribution to Indian cuisine and his efforts to bring the joy of cooking into people’s homes.