Ramya Pandian mourns Chef Damu, Guinness Record-holding chef
Synopsis
Actress Ramya Pandian has mourned the passing of Chef Damu — the Guinness World Record holder for the longest individual cooking marathon — sharing personal memories from their time on Cooku With Comali and beyond. Her tribute paints a portrait of a man whose warmth off-camera matched his stature in the culinary world.
Key Takeaways
Actress Ramya Pandian paid tribute to late chef Damodharan Kothandaraman , known as Chef Damu , on 25 October .
Chef Damu held the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, set in 2010 .
Pandian and Damu worked together on the Tamil TV show Cooku With Comali , where he was a judge and she a contestant.
Pandian recalled personal moments including Damu watching her film Arulvan in theatres and attending her wedding reception.
She described his contribution to the culinary world as 'remarkable' and said his 'legacy will live on forever.'
Actress Ramya Pandian on Sunday, 25 October penned a heartfelt tribute to late celebrity chef Damodharan Kothandaraman, popularly known as Chef Damu, who held the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual — a feat he achieved in 2010. Pandian described his passing as a loss the culinary world and his admirers would feel deeply, writing that his legacy would live on forever.
A Personal Bond Beyond the Screen
Pandian and Chef Damu shared a close connection through the popular Tamil television cookery show Cooku With Comali, where Damu served as a judge while Pandian participated as a contestant. In her tribute, she recalled him as 'one of the warmest souls' she had encountered, noting that he was 'so soft-spoken, so affectionate, and always showering me with love.' She added that even in his capacity as a judge, 'he made sure his words never hurt anyone.'
Cherished Memories Off Camera
Pandian went beyond their on-screen association to share personal moments that underscored the depth of their friendship. She revealed that Chef Damu had watched her film Arulvan in theatres even before she had the chance to see it herself. He had also welcomed her into his home when she visited to personally invite him to her wedding, and was among the first guests to arrive at the wedding reception — gestures she described as 'precious memories.'
Tribute to His Culinary Legacy
Concluding her tribute, Pandian honoured Chef Damu's professional impact, stating: 'Your contribution to the culinary world is remarkable, and your legacy will live on forever. You will be missed more than words can say. Rest in peace, sir.' Chef Damu was widely regarded as one of Tamil Nadu's most celebrated culinary figures, whose Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon placed him among the globally recognised names in the profession.
Outpouring of Grief
Pandian's tribute is part of a wider wave of condolences from the Tamil film and television industry following Chef Damu's demise. His warmth, accessibility, and decades of contribution to popularising regional cuisine made him a beloved figure well beyond professional kitchens. The full circumstances and date of his passing have not been specified in official statements at the time of this report.
Point of View
But his real footprint was built through decades of television presence that brought regional cuisine into ordinary homes. Ramya Pandian's tribute, grounded in personal memory rather than professional platitude, is a reminder that his influence operated as much through human connection as through culinary achievement. The loss also spotlights the understated role that food-show judges play in shaping public taste and nurturing on-screen talent in the Tamil entertainment ecosystem.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What Guinness World Record did Chef Damu hold?
Chef Damu held the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, an achievement he accomplished in 2010. The record established him as a globally recognised name in the culinary world.
How did Ramya Pandian know Chef Damu?
Ramya Pandian and Chef Damu were associated through the popular Tamil television show Cooku With Comali, where he served as a judge and she was a contestant. Their bond extended beyond the show — he attended her wedding reception and had visited her film in theatres.
What did Ramya Pandian say in her tribute to Chef Damu?
Pandian described Chef Damu as 'one of the warmest souls' she had known, recalling his gentle manner and personal kindness. She wrote: 'Your contribution to the culinary world is remarkable, and your legacy will live on forever.'
What was Cooku With Comali?
Cooku With Comali is a popular Tamil-language celebrity cooking reality show in which Chef Damu served as a judge. The show featured film and television personalities as contestants and helped cement Damu's status as a beloved figure in Tamil popular culture.
