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Time of India

Cooku with Comali fame chef Damodharan honored with Padmashri award

Chef and television personality Damodharan, fondly known as Chef Damu, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri , one of India's highest civilian honours, for his exceptional contributions to the culinary arts . A celebrated figure in Indian households, Chef Damu rose to widespread fame as a judge on the popular television show Cooku with Comali . His career, which spans several decades, is a testament to his passion for South Indian cuisine and his dedication to preserving traditional cooking techniques. Notably, Chef Damu was the first Indian chef to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for preparing the largest number of dishes in a single day — a milestone that showcases his culinary prowess and innovation. Beyond his achievements in the kitchen, Chef Damu's charismatic presence and deep culinary knowledge have been key elements of Cooku with Comali's success. His mentorship and encouragement to budding chefs on the show have endeared him to millions of viewers across the country. This Padma Shri honour not only highlights his individual excellence but also recognises his larger contribution in inspiring a new generation of chefs and elevating Indian cuisine on the global stage. Fans across the country have flooded social media with celebratory messages, hailing this award as a 'long-overdue recognition for a true culinary legend.' With this latest honour, Chef Damodharan continues to embody the spirit of culinary innovation and cultural pride, further cementing his legacy as an icon in India's gastronomic journey.