Chef Damu

Last updated

Chef Damu
Born
Damodharan Kothandaraman
Other namesDamu
OccupationChef

Dr. Damodharan Kothandaraman, professionally known as Chef Damu, [1] is an Indian celebrity chef. He has hosted numerous cooking shows and reality cooking competitions in various Tamil language television channels, most notably serving as a judge on Cooku with Comali which was telecast on Star Vijay. In 2010, he received a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. [2] He became the first Indian chef to receive a Ph.D in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. His doctorate was awarded by the University of Madras in 2004. [3] He has made a few appearances in Tamil films. He has played a significant role in popularizing South Indian cuisine both domestically and internationally, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the culinary world. He has been honoured with Padma Shree award on 26th January 2025, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the Culinary. [4]

Contents

Career

In December 2010, Damodharan cooked 617 dishes consisting of 190 kilograms of food in a day. He began cooking at 8 o'clock in the morning on 21 December and cooked for a period of 24 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds. Chef Damu authored several cookbooks, sharing his recipes and culinary insights with a wider audience. His books became bestsellers, attracting readers who were eager to learn authentic South Indian cooking techniques from a master chef. He has been honoured with Padma Shree award on 26th January 2025, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the Culinary. [5]

In addition to his television appearances and cookbooks, Chef Damu conducted numerous culinary workshops and demonstrations. These workshops provided aspiring chefs and cooking enthusiasts with hands-on experience and practical knowledge, helping them improve their culinary skills. [6] [7] Damodharan was also a judge at The Hindu's Our State Our Taste competition for 15 cities in Tamil Nadu. [8]

On screen appearances

Films

Web series

TV Series

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References

  1. ↑ "Chef Damu selects best three winners". The Hindu. 28 July 2019. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  2. ↑ "World's longest dosa at over 48 ft sets Guinness record". NDTV . 20 February 2012. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  3. ↑ Umachandran, Shalini (11 July 2009). "Chef Damu's Recipe For Success" (PDF). The Times of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2020– via cookatease.com.
  4. ↑ "Padma Awards 2025: 139 Distinguished Personalities Conferred Prestigious Awards, 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan And 113 Padma Shri; See Full List". The Times Of India. 25 January 2025.
  5. ↑ "Padma Awards 2025: 139 Distinguished Personalities Conferred Prestigious Awards, 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan And 113 Padma Shri; See Full List". The Times Of India. 25 January 2025.
  6. ↑ Vijayakumar, Chithira (22 December 2010). "Damu's day-long dhamaka!". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  7. ↑ "A Guide to the Cuisine of Tamil Nadu with Chef Damu ⋆ Greaves India". Greaves India. 3 August 2015. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  8. ↑ Kannadasan, Akila (31 August 2019). "How chef Damu went around Tamil Nadu in 60 days". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  9. ↑ "Chef Dhamu to make his Kollywood debut?". The Times of India. 10 August 2015. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  10. ↑ Shrikumar, A. (27 January 2016). "Cook, eat and act". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  11. ↑ "Chef Dhamu on Adhu ldhuYedhu". The Times of India. 28 November 2015. Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
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