Tamil Nadu CMO mourns Chef Damu's passing
Synopsis
The Chief Minister's Office of Tamil Nadu expressed deep condolences on the passing of Chef Damu (K. Damodaran), the Padma Shri-decorated chef who set a 2010 Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon and popularised Tamil cuisine through television.
Key Takeaways
The Chief Minister's Office of Tamil Nadu issued a formal condolence on October 25, 2026 for the passing of Chef Damu (K.
Chef Damu was widely celebrated for popularising culinary arts through Tamil television programmes .
He set a Guinness World Record in 2010 for the longest individual cooking marathon by a single person.
He was a recipient of the Padma Shri , India's fourth-highest civilian honour.
The CMO described his passing as 'a monumental loss to the culinary arts world.' Further tributes from culinary associations and state cultural bodies are anticipated.
A voice that turned everyday kitchens into classrooms has fallen silent. The Chief Minister's Office of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, October 25, 2026, expressed deep grief over the passing of celebrated culinary artist Mr. K. Damodaran — beloved across Tamil Nadu and beyond as Chef Damu — calling his death an irreplaceable loss to the world of culinary arts.
The condolence message, posted in Tamil, conveyed: 'His passing is a monumental loss to the culinary arts.' The CMO extended heartfelt sympathies to his family, relatives, friends, and the countless fans who loved cooking through his eyes.
The chef who gave Tamil homes a new language of food
Chef Damu was no ordinary television personality. Through his warmly approachable style and distinctive presentation, he brought structured culinary knowledge into Tamil living rooms at a time when cooking shows were still finding their footing. His television programmes made technique accessible and celebration-worthy, reshaping how an entire generation of home cooks thought about their own kitchens.
A Guinness record and a Padma Shri — the twin peaks of a remarkable career
In 2010, Chef Damu etched his name in global record books by completing the longest individual cooking marathon by a single person — a feat recognised by Guinness World Records. The achievement was not a stunt; it was the logical extension of a life lived in tireless service to food. The Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, followed as recognition that his contribution to popularising culinary culture had crossed every boundary of region and class.
A loss the culinary community will feel for years
The Chief Minister's Office's tribute follows a consistent pattern in Tamil Nadu governance — formally acknowledging figures who have shaped public culture, whether in arts, literature, or cuisine. Chef Damu sat squarely in that tradition: a man who democratised food knowledge, honoured classical Tamil cooking, and made millions feel that great cooking was within their reach. Tributes from culinary associations and state cultural bodies are expected to follow in the hours and days ahead.
He leaves behind a family, a culinary community in mourning, and a generation of home cooks who first learned to trust themselves in the kitchen because he told them they could.
Point of View
A global record, and genuine mass affection — making him impossible to overlook. Such condolences also serve as soft cultural diplomacy, signalling the state's regard for the culinary arts as serious heritage. The response from culinary and cultural institutions in the days ahead will indicate how deeply his loss is felt within organised civil society.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What Guinness World Record did Chef Damu hold?
Chef Damu set the Guinness World Record in 2010 for the longest individual cooking marathon by a single person.
What award did Chef Damu receive from the Indian government?
He was awarded the Padma Shri , India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contribution to popularising culinary arts.
Why did the Tamil Nadu CMO issue a condolence for Chef Damu?
The Chief Minister's Office of Tamil Nadu routinely issues formal condolences for prominent cultural and artistic figures; Chef Damu's national recognition and wide public influence made him a figure deserving of official tribute.
What was Chef Damu known for on television?
Chef Damu was known for his warmly approachable style and distinctive presentation that made culinary techniques accessible to everyday home cooks across Tamil Nadu through his television shows.
