Chef Damu

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]

Chef Damu
Born	Damodharan Kothandaraman (1954-03-03) March 3, 1954 (age 71) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality	Indian
Other names	Damu
Occupation(s)	Chef, Television personality
Known for	Television cooking shows, Guinness World Record
Awards	Padma Shri (2025)

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

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

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

Films

• Kallappadam (2015)
• Ulkuthu (2017)^[8]
• Oru Pakka Kathai (2020)
• Mrs & Mr (2025)
• Server Sundaram (TBA)

Web Series

• Kalyanam Conditions Apply (2018)

Television

• 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