Updated: October 25, 2026, 11:06 AM IST
The culinary world woke up to heartbreaking news this morning. Chef Damu, the beloved Tamil television personality, Guinness World Record holder, and Padma Shri awardee, passed away today in Chennai at the age of 72. Reports confirm he had been battling health complications and was receiving treatment at Apollo Hospital when he breathed his last.
For years, fans searched online for details about “Chef Damu ex wife,” but the truth is simpler and more grounded. He remained married to his longtime partner, Usha Damu. There was no public record of a divorce or former spouse. The couple shared a private yet steady family life, raising their daughter Akshaya (with some reports also mentioning another daughter, Renuka). Usha stood by him through decades of kitchen grind, television fame, and late-career national recognition.
Table of Contents
Who Was Chef Damu – A Life Built from the Kitchen Floor
Born Damodharan Kothandaraman on September 3, 1954, in Tamil Nadu, he began at the bottom. He washed dishes in hotel kitchens before rising through ranks at places like Taj Coromandel. He became the first Indian chef to earn a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras in 2004. That academic edge set him apart.
In December 2010 he cooked nonstop for 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds, preparing 617 dishes weighing 190 kg. The Guinness World Record put Indian home-style cooking on the global map. In 2025 the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri for his contribution to culinary arts.
Television made him a household name. As a judge on Cooku with Comali, his warm smile, sharp feedback and genuine affection for contestants turned him into “Appang” for a generation of viewers. He also hosted cooking shows, wrote books and ran workshops that kept traditional Tamil flavours alive.
Chef Damu’s Family Life – Wife Usha and Daughter Akshaya
Usha Damu was never a public figure, yet she remained the quiet constant. In rare personal moments Chef Damu spoke of her tomato rice with real fondness. The family celebrated milestones privately, including Usha’s 60th birthday. Fans who looked for drama around an “ex-wife” found none. Their marriage stayed out of the gossip columns, a rare achievement in the entertainment world.
Key family points:
- Wife: Usha Damu
- Daughter: Akshaya
- Home base: Chennai
- Public stance: Private and respectful of boundaries
Key Facts About Chef Damu at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. K. Damodharan (Chef Damu) |
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1954 |
| Age at Passing | 72 |
| Date of Passing | October 25, 2026 |
| Place of Passing | Chennai (Apollo Hospital) |
| Major Award | Padma Shri 2025 |
| Guinness Record | 617 dishes in 24.5 hours (2010) |
| Famous Show | Judge, Cooku with Comali |
| Wife | Usha Damu |
| Children | Akshaya (and reported Renuka) |
Why His Passing Hits Hard
Chef Damu represented something special. He proved that discipline, continuous learning and respect for tradition could take a person from dishwashing to Padma Shri. Younger chefs watched him balance television fame with genuine teaching. Viewers loved that he never lost the common touch. His earlier video in August 2026 clearing death rumours after a leg injection only made today’s news feel more sudden.
The culinary community, Tamil television circles and countless home cooks who followed his recipes are mourning a genuine teacher. His books, YouTube recipes and the smiles he shared on Cooku with Comali will stay.
Conclusion
Chef Damu leaves behind a clear legacy: hard work, authentic food and a family that preferred privacy over publicity. Usha Damu and their children now carry the personal memories while the rest of us remember the man who cooked 617 dishes in one marathon and still found time to encourage amateurs on television. Rest in peace, Chef Damu. Your flavours and kindness will not be forgotten.
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