‘Cooku With Comali’ Judge Chef Damu Passes Away At 72, Padma Shri Awardee And Guinness World Record Holder

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Chef Damu, the renowned Tamil chef and 'Cooku with Comali' judge, passed away at the age of 72 on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at a private hospital in Chennai, following a brief illness. He had reportedly been unwell for several days and was receiving treatment, but the exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed. His funeral and last rites were expected to be held in Chennai, according to initial media reports.

Photo Credit: Instagram@imkarthi_89/chennaiimemes

Best known for bringing cooking into Tamil households through television, Chennai's beloved 'Damu Appa' was also a culinary educator, cookbook author and Guinness World Record holder. He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contribution to the culinary field.

From Culinary Education To Television Fame

Born as K. Damodharan, Chef Damu built a career that combined professional cooking with hospitality education. He completed a diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology in Chennai and later earned a PhD in the same field from the University of Madras in 2004. He began his career with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation in 1977 before moving into teaching in 1986. His work helped train aspiring chefs and introduce more students to the hospitality industry.

How 'Cooku With Comali' Made Him A Household Name

Chef Damu became widely recognised through 'Cooku with Comali', the Tamil cooking-comedy reality show on Vijay TV. As a judge, he evaluated contestants' dishes while bringing his culinary knowledge and distinctive personality to the screen. His expressions, humour and approachable manner helped him connect with audiences beyond professional kitchens. His association with the show extended across its seasons, making him a familiar presence in Tamil households.

Guinness World Record And Padma Shri Recognition

One of the defining achievements of his career came on December 22, 2010, when he set a Guinness World Record by cooking 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. The feat highlighted his endurance and expertise in the kitchen.

In 2025, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri for his contribution to the culinary field. The recognition acknowledged a career that extended beyond television appearances to professional training, culinary knowledge and the promotion of cooking as a respected discipline.

His Work Beyond Television

Chef Damu also authored cookbooks for home cooks and catering students, documenting recipes and sharing his knowledge with a wider audience. Reports credit him with writing 17 cookbooks for home cooks containing approximately 2,700 recipes, along with four books for catering students.

His contribution also extended to school nutrition initiatives in Tamil Nadu. Fellow chef Venkatesh Bhat recalled Damu's efforts to advocate for including eggs in school meals, highlighting his interest in food beyond the professional kitchen.

Following his death, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, fellow chef Venkatesh Bhat, television host Rakshan and actress Deepa Shankar paid tribute to Chef Damu, remembering his contribution to the culinary field and his warm, encouraging nature.

Chef Damu leaves behind a body of work spanning television, education, cookbooks and record-setting achievement. His career helped bring professional cooking into everyday homes while inspiring aspiring chefs to pursue the culinary arts.