Full Breakdown
Chef Damu’s Passing Marks the End of a Pioneering Culinary Era
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Chef K. Damodaran, popularly known as Chef Damu, died in Chennai on October 25, 2026 after a brief illness. He was 72. The chef’s death was confirmed by fellow culinary professionals and reported across multiple Indian news outlets.
Background & Context
Born in September 1954 in West Mambalam, Chennai, Damodaran began his career as a management trainee with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation after completing a diploma at the Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai. He later earned a B.Com, an MBA, and in 2004 became the first Indian chef to receive a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras.
Chef Damu rose to national prominence as a judge on Vijay TV’s cooking-reality show Cooku with Comali. He also appeared in Tamil films such as *Kallappadam* (2015) and *Ulkuthu* (2017), and authored numerous cookbooks that popularised Chettinad cuisine.
Data & Statistics
- Guinness World Record (December 2010): Cooked 617 dishes weighing 190 kg in 24 h 30 m 12 s.
- Large-scale feats: Created a 14.7-metre dosa in Madurai and helped prepare the world’s largest curry in Singapore.
- Padma Shri (2025): Awarded for contributions to the culinary arts.
- Educational impact: Trained roughly 140,000 workers for Tamil Nadu’s midday-meal scheme (2008-2011).
- Publications: Authored more than 20 cookbooks, including the best-selling *Damu’s Home Free Style Cook*.
Official Statements & Responses
- Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shared on Instagram: “Deeply saddened by the news of Chef Damu’s passing. I will always remember him for his cheerful nature, the smile on his face, and the joyful moments and laughter shared during our meetings.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Viewers and home cooks recalled Chef Damu’s practical advice. “He used to grind his own masalas and would tell us, his fans to do the same. I follow many of his recipes,” — S. Geetha
“I have heard countless stories of his struggling days,” — Chef Prasaad
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise year of Chef Damu’s death: some articles list October 25, 2026, while others mention only “October 25” without the year. The exact medical cause has not been disclosed; reports note earlier health concerns and a leg injection in August, but no official cause has been confirmed.
What’s Next
Funeral arrangements are expected in Chennai, with family and colleagues planning memorial services in the coming days. No further official events have been announced.