Renowned chef and television personality Chef Damu, a Padma Shri awardee and Guinness record holder, passed away at 72 due to health complications. Known for his role as a judge on Cooku With Comali, he was celebrated for his contributions to Tamil Nadu's culinary heritage and his amiable presence on screen.
Renowned television chef, Guinness world record holder and Padma Shri recipient Damodharan Kothandaraman — professionally known as Chef Damu — has passed away at the age of 72 due to health complications.
The news was reported by Samayam Tamil, while an official confirmation from the family is awaited.
The celebrity chef became a household name following his appearances on Jaya TV and Star Vijay, especially as a judge on the popular Tamil cooking show Cooku With Comali. His viewers also awarded him the loving nickname 'Damu Appa' because of his amiable presence on the show.
The news of his death follows a public announcement he had made in August this year, in which Chef Damu had addressed his health rumours, clarifying that a leg injection had prevented him from attending the semi-finale episode of Cooku With Comali.
From washing dishes in hotel kitchens and later learning and excelling in the art of cooking, Chef Damu’s rise to one of Tamil Nadu’s most renowned culinary personalities only came after years of perseverance and working in professional kitchens.
Alongside the title of a chef and television personality, he also went on to establish himself as an educator who wrote over 20 books with extensive research about the unremembered recipes of South India. Chef Damu was well-reputed for bringing traditional cuisine from Tamil Nadu to the table, including a spectrum of regional dishes like Chettinad dishes, traditional vegetarian preparations and seafood specialities.
Despite a long career in television, what truly endeared him to the audience and made him a household name was his role as the judge on Cooku With Comali, which he joined in 2019 when it first premiered on Star Vijay. Combining comedy and cooking challenges, the show also made him a familiar face to those who were new to such cooking contests.
Later in 2025, Chef Damu was also awarded the Padma Shri for his unmatched contribution to the culinary arts and promoting the country's culinary traditions.