Chef Damu, Beloved Television Personality and Padma Shri Recipient, Dies at 72

Widely admired for making cooking accessible and aspirational, Chef Damu leaves behind a rich legacy of innovation, mentorship and culinary excellence.

Renowned chef, educator, author and television personality Dr. K. Damodharan (Damodharan Kothandaraman), popularly known as Chef Damu, passed away in Chennai on Sunday 25^th October 2026 at the age of 72 following a period of ill health. Tributes from fellow chefs, television personalities, food professionals and thousands of admirers have flooded social media, remembering him as one of India’s most influential culinary ambassadors.

Chef Damu became a household name across Tamil Nadu through his popular television cooking shows and later as the warm, encouraging judge on Vijay TV’s hit reality programme Cooku With Comali. Fondly referred to by fans as “Damu Appa,” he earned widespread affection for making cooking accessible, entertaining and educational for viewers of all ages.

News of his demise prompted an outpouring of grief online. Celebrity chef Venkatesh Bhat expressed shock at the loss, describing Damu as a mentor and inspiration who elevated the stature of culinary professionals. Food creators, former students and fans shared memories of learning to cook through his television shows and cookbooks, praising his humility, humour and dedication to preserving Tamil culinary traditions.

Born in 1954, Chef Damu built an extraordinary career that bridged professional kitchens, academia and mass media. He earned a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras in 2004 and was widely recognised as the first Indian chef to achieve this distinction. Over the years, he trained hospitality students, led educational institutions and authored more than 20 cookbooks.

Among his most celebrated achievements was a Guinness World Record set in 2010 when he prepared 617 dishes during a marathon cooking session lasting 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. The feat brought him international recognition and cemented his reputation as one of India’s most accomplished culinary professionals.

In 2025, the Government of India honoured Chef Damu with the Padma Shri for his contribution to culinary arts and gastronomy. The award recognised decades of work in promoting Indian cuisine, culinary education and regional food traditions.

Chef Damu’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey that inspired generations of chefs, students and home cooks. His legacy, however, will continue through the countless professionals he mentored, the books he authored, and the millions of viewers who welcomed him into their homes through television.