Chef Damodharan

Dr. Damodharan Kothandaraman, popularly known as Chef Damu, is a renowned Indian celebrity chef with a multifaceted career. Renowned for his expertise in South Indian cuisine, he has graced numerous Tamil language television channels as a host and judge on various cooking shows and reality competitions, notably including Star Vijay's Cooku with Comali. In 2010, he achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, showcasing his culinary prowess on a global platform.

Chef Damu holds the distinction of being the first Indian chef to obtain a Ph.D. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology, awarded by the University of Madras in 2004. This academic achievement underscores his dedication to the culinary arts and his commitment to advancing the field. His contributions to popularizing South Indian cuisine, both domestically and internationally, have solidified his status as a trailblazer in the culinary world, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Career:

In December 2010, Chef Damu astounded the culinary world by preparing an astounding 617 dishes, totaling 190 kilograms of food, within a single day. His marathon cooking session, spanning 24 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds, showcased his unparalleled passion and skill in the kitchen. Beyond his culinary feats, Chef Damu is also an accomplished author, having penned several bestselling cookbooks that offer readers insights into authentic South Indian cooking techniques.

In addition to his television appearances and literary endeavors, Chef Damu has conducted numerous culinary workshops and demonstrations, empowering aspiring chefs and cooking enthusiasts with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. His involvement as a judge in prestigious culinary competitions, such as The Hindu's Our State Our Taste, further highlights his esteemed reputation and expertise in the field.

Padma Shri

Chef Damodharan, known as Damu, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to culinary arts. Renowned for his South Indian cuisine expertise.