FOOD NEWS
Renowned Chef and Television Personality K Damodaran Dies at 72
Chef K Damodaran, the celebrated Padma Shri awardee and 'Cooku with Comali' judge, has passed away in Chennai. He is remembered for his Guinness World Record and his impact on Tamil culinary media.
The culinary world is mourning the loss of K Damodaran, the celebrated chef and television personality widely known as Chef Damu, who passed away in Chennai on October 25, 2026. He was 72 years old. A prominent figure in the Indian hospitality industry, Chef Damu was celebrated for his extensive career and his ability to demystify professional cooking for a mainstream audience.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay led the tributes, expressing his condolences and acknowledging the chef’s significant contributions to the culinary arts. In a public message, the Chief Minister highlighted Damu’s unique approach to television cooking and his dedication to the craft, which helped bridge the gap between professional kitchens and home cooks.
A Legacy of Culinary Excellence and Media Impact
Born in 1954, Chef Damu’s journey began with formal training at the Institute of Hotel Management in Chennai. Over the following decades, he built a robust career working with major hotel groups, refining his expertise in diverse cuisines, with a particular focus on traditional South Indian preparations. Beyond his professional kitchen work, he authored several cookbooks and mentored countless aspiring chefs, cementing his status as a pillar of the industry.His career reached a global milestone in December 2010 when he set a Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon. During the 24-hour, 30-minute, and 12-second event, he prepared 617 distinct dishes, totaling approximately 190 kilograms of food. This feat remained a defining moment in his professional life, showcasing his endurance and technical skill.
From Professional Kitchens to Television Stardom
While his culinary credentials were vast, Chef Damu became a household name through his role as a judge on the popular Tamil reality show 'Cooku with Comali'. The program, which pairs contestants with entertainers to navigate complex cooking challenges, allowed Damu to showcase both his deep technical knowledge and his approachable, humorous personality. His presence on the show was instrumental in making cooking feel accessible and engaging for viewers across Tamil Nadu.In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the culinary arts and his efforts to elevate the profile of the profession, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2025. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in regional television and gastronomy, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts who were inspired by his warmth and expertise.
