Veteran Tamil chef and television personality Damodharan Kothandaraman, popularly known as Chef Damu, has died at the age of 72, leaving the culinary fraternity and television audiences mourning his loss. Tamil actor and politician R. Sarath Kumar expressed his condolences on Sunday, October 25, remembering the celebrated chef for his remarkable achievements, warm personality and contribution to making cooking popular among households.
Taking to X, Sarath Kumar shared an emotional tribute to the culinary artist, describing his passing as a significant loss to the world of food and cooking. He also highlighted Chef Damu’s Guinness World Record and his popularity as a judge on television cooking shows, where his affectionate manner and sense of humour made him a familiar face among viewers.
In his message, Sarath Kumar wrote that Chef Damu had captivated both contestants and audiences through his presence on cooking programmes. He noted that the chef had encouraged countless people to take an interest in cooking through his distinctive culinary skills, practical tips and achievements.
The actor also extended his deepest condolences to Damu’s family, friends, relatives and members of the culinary community, praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Chef Damu, whose full name was Damodharan Kothandaraman, was one of Tamil Nadu’s best-known culinary personalities. Over the years, he built a strong connection with television audiences through his appearances on cooking programmes, where his knowledge, straightforward advice and approachable personality made him a popular figure.
For many viewers, he was affectionately known as “Damu Appa”. His television appearances helped bring professional cooking techniques into ordinary homes, while his easygoing presentation made culinary knowledge accessible to audiences of different ages.
One of the defining achievements of his career came in December 2010, when he entered the Guinness World Records by cooking 617 dishes during a continuous session lasting 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. The dishes weighed approximately 190 kilograms in total, making the feat a significant milestone in his culinary journey.
Beyond his television career and record-breaking achievement, Chef Damu also made history in culinary education. He became the first Indian chef to earn a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras in 2004, reflecting his commitment to both the practical and academic aspects of the profession.
His contribution to Indian cuisine and culinary education received national recognition when he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2025. The honour further cemented his standing as a respected figure in the country's food industry.
Chef Damu’s career extended beyond preparing dishes for the camera. Through his television work, culinary demonstrations and cooking advice, he helped inspire a wider appreciation for food, technique and the traditions behind Indian cuisine.
His passing marks the end of a notable chapter in Tamil television cooking, but his influence is likely to continue through the chefs he inspired and the countless viewers who learned from his programmes.
Sarath Kumar’s tribute reflects the affection with which Chef Damu was regarded, both within the entertainment industry and among ordinary households. Remembered for his record-breaking accomplishment, academic achievements and engaging personality, the celebrated chef leaves behind a lasting legacy in Indian culinary culture.