Celebrity chef K. Damodaran, popularly known as Chef Damu, passed away at the age of 72 in Chennai, news agency ANI reported on Sunday. He was widely recognised for bringing cooking to television audiences through popular shows such as 'Cooku with Comali' on Vijay TV, where his advice to contestants and easy-going presence earned him the affectionate nickname 'Damu Appa' among viewers.

Source: ANI via Indian Economic Observer

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay condoled his demise in a post shared by the Chief Minister's Office on X. The post said that through his culinary expertise and unique approach, Chef Damu brought the art of cooking to the people via television programmes, that he created the Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon in 2010 and was honoured with the Padma Shri, and that his demise is a great loss to the culinary arts field. The Hollywood Reporter India reported that he died following health complications; an official confirmation from the family was awaited at the time of that report.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter India

Born in 1954, Chef Damu studied at the Institute of Hotel Management in Chennai and began his professional career as a management trainee with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, ANI reported. He was the first Indian chef to receive a Ph.D. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology, awarded by the University of Madras in 2004, and he authored more than 20 books researching the forgotten recipes of South India.

In December 2010, he entered the Guinness World Records after cooking 617 dishes weighing a total of 190 kg in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. He later took on other cooking challenges, including making a 14.7-metre dosa in Madurai and preparing the world's largest curry in Singapore, and he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2025.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor paid tribute on Instagram, writing that he was deeply saddened by Chef Damu's passing and would always remember him for his ever-smiling, cheerful nature and the wonderful laughs they shared every time they met. Kapoor said Chef Damu dedicated his life to the culinary world and that his passing is a huge loss to the culinary fraternity, and he offered condolences to the chef's family and loved ones.

Source: ANI via NewKerala