Home / Arts and Entertainment / Culinary Icon Chef Damu Dies at 72
Culinary Icon Chef Damu Dies at 72
25 Oct
Summary
- Renowned chef and TV personality Dr. K. Damodharan passed away on October 25, 2026.
- He was the first Indian chef to earn a PhD in Hotel Management.
- Chef Damu received the Padma Shri award in 2025.
The culinary world mourns the loss of Dr. K. Damodharan, affectionately known as Chef Damu, who passed away on October 25, 2026, in Chennai at the age of 72. His extensive career blended culinary expertise with academic achievement and television entertainment, inspiring many across India.
Chef Damu was distinguished as the first Indian chef to earn a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras in 2004. He dedicated much of his career to promoting traditional South Indian flavours and culinary practices, making regional cuisine more accessible.
His skills were globally recognized in 2010 when he set a Guinness World Record for cooking 617 dishes in 24.5 hours. The Indian government further honored his contributions with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2025, cementing his legacy.
