Chef Damu, a celebrated Tamil chef, who made Tamil Nadu's food traditions famous on screens, died at the age of 72. He served as a judge on Cooku With Comali, a Guinness World Record holder, and honored with the Padma Shri. His his passing has been lamented by fellow chefs and fans. Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Vijay offered his condolences, and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor remembered Chef Damu, recalling his 'ever-smiling, cheerful nature'.