Chef Damu
Chef Damu | |
|---|---|
| Born | Damodharan Kothandaraman March 3, 1954 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Damu |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, Television personality |
| Known for | Television cooking shows, Guinness World Record |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2025) |
Dr. Damodharan Kothandaraman, professionally known as Chef Damu, is an Indian celebrity chef. He is known for hosting numerous cooking shows and serving as a judge on popular Tamil language television programs, most notably Cooku with Comali on Star Vijay. He holds the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, achieved in 2010. In recognition of his contributions to the culinary arts, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2025.[1]
He is also known for being the first Indian chef to receive a Ph.D. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology, awarded by the University of Madras in 2004.[2]
Career
[edit]In December 2010, Chef Damu cooked 617 dishes weighing a total of 190 kilograms over a continuous cooking session that lasted 24 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds.[3]
He has authored several cookbooks and conducted culinary workshops to promote traditional South Indian cuisine. He also served as a judge in food competitions such as Our State Our Taste conducted by The Hindu across various cities in Tamil Nadu.[4]
Recognition
[edit]In 2025, Chef Damu was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contributions to culinary science.[5][6][7]
Film and Television Appearances
[edit]Films
[edit]- Kallappadam (2015)
- Ulkuthu (2017)[8]
- Oru Pakka Kathai (2020)
- Server Sundaram (TBA)
Web Series
[edit]- Kalyanam Conditions Apply (2018)
Television
[edit]- Arusuvai Neram – Jaya TV
- Dhe Chef – Mazhavil Manorama
- Athu Ithu Yethu – Cameo appearance[9]
- Chocolate – Cameo appearance
- Cooku with Comali – Seasons 1 to 6 [10][11]
- Colors Kitchen
References
[edit]- ^ "Meet Chef Damodharan: Tamil Nadu's culinary maestro who was felicitated with Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu". Times Now News. 27 January 2025. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
- ^ Umachandran, Shalini (11 July 2009). "Chef Damu's Recipe For Success" (PDF). The Times of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2020 – via cookatease.com.
- ^ Vijayakumar, Chithira (22 December 2010). "Damu's day-long dhamaka!". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ^ Kannadasan, Akila (31 August 2019). "How chef Damu went around Tamil Nadu in 60 days". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ^ "Padma Awards 2025: 139 Distinguished Personalities Conferred Prestigious Awards, 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan And 113 Padma Shri; See Full List". The Times of India. 25 January 2025.
- ^ "Padma Awards 2025 announced". PIB India.
- ^ "Padma Award Winners 2025 Full List". Bru Times.
- ^ "Chef Dhamu to make his Kollywood debut?". The Times of India. 10 August 2015.
- ^ "Chef Dhamu on Adhu Idhu Yedhu". The Times of India. 28 November 2015.
- ^ "Cook with Comali Season 6 set to premiere soon; here's all you need to know about the show". The Times of India. 25 May 2025. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
- ^ "Cooku with Comali Season 5 Grand Finale: Priyanka Deshpande lifts the trophy, wins cash reward Rs 5 lakh". The Times of India. 11 February 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2025.