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Updated: Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 11:05 AM IST
The culinary world woke up to heartbreaking news this morning. Padma Shri awardee and beloved Tamil television personality Chef Damu (Dr. K. Damodharan) passed away at the age of 72 in Chennai after a period of health complications. He was receiving treatment at Apollo Hospital. Fans, fellow chefs, and television colleagues are mourning the loss of a man who made South Indian cooking feel like home for millions.
While the spotlight always shone on his infectious smile and record-breaking skills, many are now asking about the quiet strength behind him — his wife, Usha Damu. This post looks at her role in his life, their family, and the lasting legacy they built together.
Table of Contents
Who Was Chef Damu and What Made Him Special
Born on September 3, 1954, in Chennai, Damodharan Kothandaraman started from the bottom. He once washed dishes in hotel kitchens before rising to become the first Indian chef with a PhD in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the University of Madras in 2004.
In 2010 he set a Guinness World Record by cooking 617 dishes weighing 190 kg in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. In 2025 the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri for his contribution to culinary science. Viewers knew him best as the warm, smiling judge on Cooku with Comali on Star Vijay, where he mixed expertise with humour and genuine encouragement.
Chef Damu’s Wife Usha Damu – The Woman Behind the Legend
Usha Damu stayed mostly away from the cameras, yet she was the steady presence that allowed Chef Damu to chase his passion for decades. Sources close to the family and earlier interviews describe her as the quiet pillar who managed the home while he spent long hours in professional kitchens, on television sets, and conducting workshops.
She celebrated milestones with him, including her own 60th birthday that the chef once shared warmly with fans. In a recent conversation he spoke fondly of her cooking, mentioning how much he loved the tomato rice she made. That simple affection said everything about their bond — grounded, caring, and built on everyday love rather than public display.
Their Family Life and Children
Chef Damu and Usha Damu raised a close-knit family. Their daughter Akshaya has been mentioned in family photos and celebrations. Some reports also refer to another daughter, Renuka Praveen. The chef often spoke about the importance of family values and traditional Tamil home cooking, values that Usha helped keep alive even when his schedule became hectic with television commitments and public appearances.
Here is a quick look at the key details:
| 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 |
| Wife | Usha Damu |
| Children | Akshaya (and reports of Renuka Praveen) |
| Major Awards | Padma Shri (2025), Guinness World Record (2010) |
| Famous For | Cooku with Comali judge, South Indian cuisine expert |
Remembering His Achievements and Enduring Impact
Chef Damu’s journey inspires anyone who believes hard work can rewrite a story:
- Started by scrubbing vessels in hotel kitchens
- Became the first Indian chef to earn a PhD in the field
- Cooked 617 dishes in one marathon session for the Guinness record
- Judged and hosted popular Tamil cooking shows for years
- Authored cookbooks and trained countless young chefs
- Received Padma Shri in 2025 for popularising Indian cuisine
His death leaves a genuine gap in Tamil television and the culinary community. Yet the recipes he shared, the students he mentored, and the warmth he brought to screens will continue.
Conclusion
Today we remember not only the Padma Shri chef and Guinness record holder, but also the husband and father who found balance through the quiet support of Usha Damu. Their story reminds us that behind every public success often stands a private partnership built on patience and love.
Condolences pour in from across India. May his soul rest in peace, and may Usha Damu and the family find strength in the love he left behind.
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Rest in peace, Chef Damu. Your smile and your food will be missed.