Celebrated chef K Damodaran, popularly known as Chef Damu, died in Chennai on Sunday, October 25, at the age of 72 after a period of illness. A familiar face on Tamil television, he earned widespread affection for his culinary expertise, warm personality and contributions to the hospitality industry.
Chef Damu began his professional journey in 1977 after training in hotel management and catering technology. Over the decades, he established himself as a respected chef, educator and author, specialising in Indian cuisine, particularly traditional Tamil dishes and Chettinad cooking. He also mentored aspiring hospitality professionals and helped nurture the next generation of culinary talent.
One of the defining achievements of his career came in 2010, when he prepared 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds, earning a place in the Guinness World Records. He also authored more than 20 cookbooks, sharing his knowledge and encouraging people to explore the diversity of Indian food.
For television audiences, Chef Damu became particularly popular as a judge on ‘Cooku with Comali’. His combination of professional standards, humour and an approachable demeanour made him a household name. He brought culinary knowledge to mainstream entertainment, inspiring viewers to take a greater interest in cooking.
His contribution to the culinary world received national recognition when he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2025. Beyond his achievements in the kitchen, he was also associated with culinary education and initiatives aimed at improving food preparation practices.
Chef Damu’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey that connected professional kitchens with millions of homes. Remembered by colleagues, students and fans for his generosity, passion and dedication, he leaves behind a lasting legacy through his teaching, books, television appearances and influence on Tamil food culture.