Padma Shri Chef K Damodaran Dies at 72; Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Condoles His Passing
Culinary maestro Chef K. Damodharan, aka Chef Damu, died at 72 on Oct 25, 2026, in Chennai. Padma Shri awardee, Guinness World Record holder, and 'Cooku With Comali' judge, his demise was mourned by Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay, who hailed his immense culinary contributions.
Chennai has been plunged into sorrow following the demise of Chef K Damodaran, affectionately known as Chef Damu, who passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at a private hospital in the city. The beloved culinary icon was 72 years old and had been battling a period of ill health. His passing marks a profound loss for the Indian culinary world and countless fans who adored his warmth and expertise on screen. Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Turns Bus Conductor for ‘Vettri Payanam’ Expansion, Hands Out Tickets.
Born on September 3, 1954, Chef Damodharan's journey in the culinary world began modestly, eventually seeing him rise to national and international prominence. He was known to have been using a wheelchair in recent years following a hip fracture and knee surgery, though the exact cause of death was attributed to a brief illness associated with old age. Chef Damu leaves behind an irreplaceable legacy, survived by his wife Usha and daughter Akshaya.
His illustrious career was studded with numerous achievements that cemented his status as a culinary titan. Chef Damu was the first Indian chef to earn a PhD in Hotel Management from the University of Madras in 2004. In 2010, he etched his name in the Guinness World Records by cooking an astounding 617 dishes in a continuous session lasting 24 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds, utilizing 190 kg of ingredients across six cooking ranges. His exceptional contributions were recognised with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2025.
Chef Damu's warm and encouraging presence as a judge on Vijay TV's popular Tamil reality show 'Cooku With Comali' endeared him to millions, earning him the affectionate moniker 'Damu Appa'. Beyond television, he authored 21 cookbooks, documented thousands of recipes, served as the President of the South Indian Chef Association (SICA), and received the Culinary Legend Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
CM Vijay Condoles Chef Damodharan's Death
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed deep sorrow over Chef Damu's passing, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the culinary fraternity. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Vijay praised the chef's unique approach to popularising culinary arts through television.
"The passing of Mr K Damodaran, renowned culinary artist known as Chef Damu, brings immense sorrow," CM Vijay wrote. "Through his culinary expertise and unique approach, he brought the art of cooking to the people via television programs. In 2010, he created the Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon, and he was also honored with the Padma Shri award. His demise is a great loss to the culinary arts field. I express my deep condolences and sympathies to his bereaved family, relatives, friends, and fans who love culinary arts." Viral Video Shows Woman Stopping Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay’s Campaign Vehicle To Perform ‘Aarti’.
Vijay Condoles Demise of Culinary Legend Chef Damu
பிரபல சமையல் கலைஞர் செஃப் தாமு என்று அழைக்கப்படும் திரு.கே.தாமோதரன் அவர்களின் மறைவு மிகுந்த வேதனையளிக்கிறது.
தனது சமையல் திறமையாலும், தனித்துவமான அணுகுமுறையாலும், தொலைக்காட்சி நிகழ்ச்சிகள் வாயிலாகச் சமையல் கலையை மக்களிடம் கொண்டு சேர்த்தவர். 2010 ஆம் ஆண்டில் தனிநபரின் மிக நீண்ட சமையல் மாரத்தான் என்ற கின்னஸ் உலக சாதனையைப் படைத்ததோடு, பத்மஸ்ரீ விருதும் பெற்ற பெருமைக்குரியவர். அவரது மறைவு சமையல் கலைத் துறைக்குப் பேரிழப்பாகும்.
அவரை இழந்துவாடும் குடும்பத்தினருக்கும், உறவினர்களுக்கும், நண்பர்களுக்கும், சமையல் கலையை நேசிக்கும் ரசிகர்களுக்கும் எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கலையும், ஆறுதலையும் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) October 25, 2026
A Lasting Culinary Legacy
Chef Damu's influence extended far beyond his personal achievements. He played a pivotal role in culinary education, mentoring countless aspiring chefs, and worked to improve food quality in Tamil Nadu's school meal programs. His dedication to promoting traditional South Indian flavours and culinary practices helped bring regional cuisine to wider audiences, making him a true ambassador of heritage. His signature expressions, such as "top-notch" and "fantabulous," will forever be remembered, symbolising the joy and passion he brought to every dish and every interaction.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 26, 2026 10:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
