started · updated
Chef Damu, Guinness World Record holder, dies at 72
Renowned Indian celebrity chef and television personality Dr. K. Damodharan, popularly known as Chef Damu, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on October 25, 2026, at the age of 72. He had been receiving treatment for health issues related to old age.
Damodharan was a highly distinguished figure in the culinary world, holding a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras, making him the first Indian chef to earn a doctorate in the field. In 2010, he set a Guinness World Record by cooking 617 different dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds. His significant contributions to gastronomy and culinary science were recognized by the Government of India with the Padma Shri award in 2025.
A household name in Tamil Nadu, he was widely beloved for his role as a judge on the popular reality show ‘Cooku with Comali’. Beyond television, he was noted for his work improving the nutritional quality of the Tamil Nadu government's Midday Meals Scheme and training culinary professionals across the state.
Public figures, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, offered tributes, mourning the loss of his warmth, humor, and immense contribution to the culinary arts.
Entities
C. Joseph Vijay · Chef Damu · Chennai · Dr. K. Damodharan · Government of India · K. Damodharan · Sanjeev Kapoor · University of Madras · Vijay TV
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Chef Damu set a Guinness World Record by cooking 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds. english.mathrubhumi.com · newstodaynet.com · www.thenewsminute.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He worked with the Tamil Nadu government on the school midday-meal scheme. www.thenewsminute.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He prepared a 14.7-metre dosa. www.thenewsminute.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Dr. K. Damodharan, known as Chef Damu, died at age 72. english.mathrubhumi.com · newstodaynet.com · www.thenewsminute.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2025. english.mathrubhumi.com · newstodaynet.com · www.thenewsminute.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He authored more than 20 cookbooks. www.thenewsminute.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Damu served as a judge on the television program ‘Cooku with Comali’. english.mathrubhumi.com · newstodaynet.com · www.thenewsminute.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] He earned a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras in 2004. english.mathrubhumi.com · newstodaynet.com · www.thenewsminute.com