Chef Damu, Tamil television chef, dies at 72

Chef Damu, the Tamil chef and television personality whose career included a Guinness World Record cooking marathon and a popular judging role on Cooku with Comali, died in Chennai on October 25, 2026. He was 72. Chef Damu, also known as K. Damodaran, was widely recognised by Tamil television audiences for his appearances on the cooking show. His approachable manner and explanations of cooking techniques helped make him a familiar presence, while his work also included teaching, writing and promoting regional Indian cuisine. In 2010, he cooked 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon. The achievement became one of the most prominent milestones of his culinary career. He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contribution to the culinary arts. His work extended beyond television: he earned a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras in 2004, authored cookbooks and mentored aspiring chefs. Reports also describe his efforts to promote traditional Tamil food, including Chettinad cuisine. The cause of death was not established across the reports. One account...