Chef Damu, Padma Shri-Winning Culinary Icon And ‘Cooku With Comali’ Judge Dies At 72

Renowned Tamil chef and television personality Damodharan Kothandaraman, popularly known as Chef Damu, died in Chennai on Sunday, October 25, at the age of 72 after a period of ill health. He had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital, according to media reports.

Chef Damu became a familiar face among Tamil television audiences through his appearances on Jaya TV and Star Vijay, particularly as a judge on the popular cooking reality show Cooku With Comali. His warmth, humour and encouraging approach to contestants earned him the affectionate nickname ‘Damu Appa’.

His death marks the end of a career that spanned professional kitchens, culinary education, cookbooks and television, making him one of Tamil Nadu’s best-known culinary personalities.

From Washing Dishes To Becoming A Celebrated Chef

Chef Damu’s journey in the culinary world began in hotel kitchens, where he started with basic work, including washing dishes, before developing his skills and establishing himself as a professional chef.

He went on to build a career as a culinary educator and author, specialising in traditional Indian cuisine, particularly Tamil dishes, Chettinad preparations, seafood and vegetarian cooking.

Beyond his television appearances, he authored more than 20 books and worked to bring regional Indian food traditions to wider audiences. He also made a mark in culinary education, earning a PhD in hotel management and catering technology from the University of Madras in 2004. He was recognised as the first Indian chef to receive the doctorate.

Chef Damu’s Guinness World Record For Cooking 617 Dishes

One of the defining achievements of Chef Damu’s career came in December 2010, when he prepared 617 varieties of dishes in a continuous cooking marathon lasting 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds.

The food reportedly weighed around 190 kg, and the feat earned him a place in the Guinness World Records.

The achievement brought him recognition beyond television and highlighted his endurance and expertise as a chef.

How ‘Cooku With Comali’ Made Him A Household Name

Although Chef Damu had spent years building his reputation in professional kitchens and culinary education, his role as a judge on Cooku With Comali introduced him to a much wider audience.

The Star Vijay show combines cooking challenges with comedy, bringing professional chefs and contestants together in an entertainment-driven format. Damu’s gentle humour and interactions with contestants and comedians made him a popular presence on the programme.

His approachable personality helped connect audiences with cooking techniques and culinary traditions, extending his influence beyond professional chefs and food enthusiasts.

Padma Shri Honour In 2025

Chef Damu received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contribution to the culinary arts. The civilian honour recognised his work in the food industry and his efforts to promote Indian culinary traditions.

His career reflected a journey from the early days of working in hotel kitchens to becoming an acclaimed chef, educator, author and television personality.

Earlier Death Rumours Had Prompted His Clarification

Chef Damu’s death comes months after he addressed false rumours about his demise in August 2026.

At the time, he released a video message confirming that he was alive and explaining that he had missed a semi-final episode of Cooku With Comali because he had received an injection in his leg. He also said he had participated in the finale and urged people not to believe unverified reports.

His death was reported by several media outlets on Sunday, with tributes highlighting his contribution to Tamil cuisine, culinary education and television entertainment.