Renowned Chef and Television Personality Dr. K. Damodharan Passes Away at 72

Dr. K. Damodharan, popularly known as Chef Damu, passed away on Sunday at the age of 72 in Chennai following a brief illness. A celebrated culinary figure, educator, and television personality, he left a lasting mark on Indian cuisine by bringing traditional Tamil Nadu recipes to mainstream television and inspiring generations of aspiring chefs.

Born in September 1954 in Chennai, Chef Damu built a pioneering career that spanned decades. After completing a diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the Institute of Hotel Management in Taramani, he began his professional journey as a management trainee with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation in 1977. He later pursued further education, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree, an MBA, and eventually achieving a PhD in hotel management and catering technology from the University of Madras in 2004, making him the first Indian chef to earn such a doctorate.

Beyond his academic and professional contributions, Chef Damu achieved widespread fame through his vibrant television presence. He became a household name and a beloved judge on popular cooking shows, most notably Vijay TV's reality series "Cooku With Comali." Known for his warm humor, approachable demeanor, and affection for traditional South Indian dishes—particularly Chettinad cuisine—he earned the affectionate moniker "Damu Appa" from viewers across Tamil households.

One of the defining milestones of his career occurred in December 2010, when he set a Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon. He successfully prepared 617 distinct dishes, weighing a total of 190 kilograms, in a continuous session lasting 24 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds. In recognition of his vast contributions to the culinary arts, the Union government honored him with the Padma Shri award in January 2025.

In addition to his media and record-breaking achievements, Chef Damu was a dedicated educator and author. He penned numerous cookbooks aimed at both home cooks and catering students, helping document thousands of regional recipes. He also collaborated with the Government of Tamil Nadu between 2008 and 2011 to improve the quality of school meals, training public institution cooks to enhance nutrition for children.

Following news of his passing, leaders, fellow chefs, musicians, and public figures shared emotional tributes. Celebrity chefs such as Sanjeev Kapoor and Venkatesh Bhat, alongside actor and politician R. Sarath Kumar, remembered him for his cheerful disposition, mentorship, and tireless dedication to elevating the status of culinary professionals in India.

Chef Damu is survived by his wife, Usha Damu, and his daughter, Dr. Akshaya. Family sources stated that his final rites would take place in Chennai.