Chef Damodharan, known to most as Chef Damu, passed away on Sunday (today) at the age of 72 after a period of ill health. The Padma Shri awardee was a respected name in the culinary world and a familiar face to Tamil viewers as a judge on Cooku with Comali.His life story is one of grit. Starting out as a dishwasher in restaurants, he worked his way up to become one of India’s best-known chefs. Along the way he picked up a Guinness World Record and the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
From restaurant kitchens to television
Chef Damu built his reputation on his cooking skills and his knowledge of hotel management. He was the first Indian chef to earn a PhD in Hotel Management, from the University of Madras (earlier known as the University of Chennai).Over the years, cooking shows made him a regular presence in Tamil households. On Cooku with Comali, he sat alongside the contestants as they juggled kitchen challenges with plenty of comedy, and viewers welcomed him into their living rooms every week.
His recent health troubles
Fans had noticed his absence from the semi-finals of Cooku with Comali Season 7. He later explained in a video that he couldn’t take part in the final stages because he had been given an injection in his leg. He told viewers he was doing fine.Reports say he had been using a wheelchair in recent years after a hip fracture and knee surgery.His death is a loss for Tamil television and for the culinary world. He will be remembered for his craft, his achievements in hotel management, and the warmth he brought to the screen.
