Chef Damu made history by preparing 617 dishes in just over 24 hours, earned a PhD in culinary education, and received the Padma Shri in 2025.

Chef K. Damodaran, popularly known as Chef Damu, died in Chennai on October 25, 2026, at the age of 72, following a period of illness, according to media reports. The celebrated Tamil chef and television personality became a familiar face in households through his appearances on Cooku with Comali. In addition, he made history in 2010 by cooking 617 different dishes within 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds, making him earn a Guinness World Record.

How Chef Damu Set a Guinness World Record

Chef Damu started his cooking record challenge at about 8 in the morning on December 21, 2010, with a planned objective of cooking about 480 dishes. Using six different cooking ranges, he ended up cooking 617 dishes with about 190 kilograms of ingredients.

It was a task that required tremendous stamina and precision. He was given only one five-minute break in an hour, while he had to cook at least two dishes at one time. While four assistants were there for any other work, he alone was supposed to do all the cooking. Moreover, the use of oven or microwave was forbidden.

Within about 12 hours, fatigue started to affect him. The support of about 60 people working in the Savera Hotel, who came to encourage him, made it possible for him to keep up with the challenge. This success of his proved his expertise as well as his perseverance.

From Hotel Kitchens to Cooku with Comali Fame

Chef Damu made himself through years of experience in professional kitchens that helped him acquire knowledge about hotel management and cooking. He later turned out to be a successful chef and an educator who taught people about authentic Indian cuisine, namely Tamil and Chettinad cuisines.

He became famous thanks to his TV appearances, particularly through his appearances on the show Cooku with Comali on Star Vijay channel where he became an admired judge. It was his friendly nature, humor and interaction with contestants and comedians that allowed him to reach out to many viewers of different ages.

Chef Damu was also involved in culinary education outside of television cooking shows. He wrote several cookbooks and got involved in programs that showcased regional cooking and helped train budding chefs.

Padma Shri and His Contribution to Culinary Education

The feats of Chef Damu were not confined to television appearances and breaking world records in cooking. In 2004, he was conferred the Doctor of Philosophy in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from the University of Madras. He was renowned for being the first Indian chef to be awarded the doctoral degree in this field.

In 2025, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in appreciation of his contribution to the field of culinary arts. The award was a mark of appreciation for his contribution to promoting Indian cuisines.

He is best remembered for his legacy of academia, culinary skills and success on TV. The contributions made by Chef Damu range from his work in professional hotels to his recognition on a national level for bringing Tamil cuisine into mainstream consciousness.

Thus, Business Fortune pays tribute to Chef Damu, whose remarkable culinary journey and dedication to Indian cuisine will continue to inspire generations of aspiring chefs.

Sources: https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/chef-damu-dies-at-72-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-vijay-pays-tribute-12233046  https://food.ndtv.com/news/padma-shri-chef-damu-once-cooked-617-dishes-in-24-hours-set-a-guinness-world-record-12233579