Entertainment · Celebrity · 1 hr ago
Chef Damu, beloved Tamil television chef, dies at 72
Chef Damu, whose full name was K. Damodharan, has died at 72 after health problems.
He was treated at a private hospital in Chennai, according to one account.
He became widely known through Tamil television cooking shows, including appearances on Jaya TV and Vijay TV.
Many viewers also knew him as a judge on Cooku with Comali and called him “Damu appa.”
In 2010, he set a Guinness cooking record by cooking continuously for 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds; one account says he made 617 dishes.
India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to cooking.
His television work, teaching and efforts to share Indian cuisine were central to his career, and no further plans have been reported.
Chef Damu, the beloved Tamil television chef, died at 72 after being treated for health problems in Chennai.
He was widely known as a judge on Cooku with Comali and was affectionately called “Damu Appa” by fans.
He set a Guinness World Record in 2010 by cooking continuously for more than 24 hours.
The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2025.
- Who
- Chef Damu, whose full name was K Damodharan, was a chef and television personality.
- What
- He died at the age of 72.
- When
- October 25, 2026. Reports said he died that morning.
- Where
- He was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Chennai.
- Why
- He had health problems and died after treatment was unsuccessful.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Damu cooked 617 dishes in a continuous session lasting 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds, earning a Guinness World Record.
The Government of India awarded Damu the Padma Shri.
Damu served as a judge on the seventh season of Cooku with Comali, which ended that month.
After rumours circulated that he had died, Damu posted a video saying he was alive and well.
Damu died at 72 after treatment at a private hospital in Chennai.
- Full name
- K Damodharan
- Age
- 72
- Hospital
- Private hospital in Chennai
- Guinness World Record
- 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds
- Padma Shri
- Awarded in 2025
3 sources
What people are saying
I am well. Do not believe rumours about me. By God's grace, I am healthy. Please do not believe unnecessary rumours. I have only a little pain in my knee.
We will miss you, Appa.