K Damodaran, popularly known as Chef Damu, passed away today on October 25 in Chennai. He was 72 years old.
He became a household name among Tamil television audiences especially through his appearances on cooking shows Cuckoo with cuteness.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay paid tribute to the chef after his death. In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s Office recalled his contribution to the culinary world.
The post read, “Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned culinary artist Mr. K. Damodaran popularly known as Chef Damu.”
“Through his culinary expertise and unique approach, he brought the art of cooking to the masses through television programs. In 2010, he set the Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon, and was also awarded the Padma Shri award. His death is a great loss to the field of culinary arts,” he added.
“My deepest condolences and condolences to his bereaved family, relatives, friends and fans who love the art of cooking.”
The death of renowned chef Mr. K. Tharamdharan popularly known as Chef Tamu is very sad. Through his cooking skills and unique approach, he introduced people to cooking through television programs. In 2010, he achieved the Guinness World Record for the longest dish cooked and was awarded the Pathamiri Award. I am very fond of her cooking. I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, relatives, friends and fans who loved his cooking.
— CMOTamilnadu (@CMOTamilnadu) October 25, 2026
Born in 1954, he studied at the Institute of Hotel Management in Chennai. He then started working as a management trainee with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, gradually building his career in the culinary field.
In December 2010, he set a Guinness World Record after cooking 617 dishes weighing a total of 190 kg in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds.
This was not his only ambitious culinary feat. He also made a 14.7 meter dosa in Madurai and took part in making the world’s largest curry in Singapore.
For a generation of viewers, with the company of Chef Damu Cuckoo with cuteness is one of his most recognized contributions.
In January 2025, Chef Damu was awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to the culinary arts.
(with ANI inputs)