Chef Damu passes away at 72
Renowned Indian chef and Padma Shri recipient K. Damodaran, known as 'Chef Damu', has passed away at age 72. He was famous for his Guinness World Record-setting cooking marathon and his role as a judge on the television show 'Cooku With Comali'.
Why it matters
He was a significant cultural figure in Indian culinary arts and television, recognized for his contributions to catering technology and popular media.
Chef Damu passes away at 72 left Chef Damu holds the Guinness Book of World Records certificate in Chennai on December 22, 2010. S.R. Raghunathan The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/u6of1n/article71623217.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/01Damu.jpg RAGHUNATHAN SR CHENNAI, 22/12/2010: Chef Dhamu, holding the Guinness Book of World Records certificate for longest cooking, in Chennai on December 22, 2010. Photo: S.R.Raghunathan In 2010, Chef Damu entered the Guinness Book of World Records by cooking 617 dishes in 24 hours. He, a recipient of Padma Shri, was one of the judges on the popular television series ‘Cooku With Comali’. CHENNAI Chef K. Damodaran popularly called ‘Chef Damu’, whose simple yet delicious recipes enlivened thousands of kitchens, passed away in Chennai on Sunday (October 25, 2026) after brief illness. He was 72 and is survived by wife Usha and daughter Akshaya, a doctor, working in London. According to family sources, his last rites would be held at 3 p.m.
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