Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay released a statement, condoling the death of celebrity chef and reality show judge, Chef Damu. On Sunday, Chef Damu passed away at the age of 72.

"The passing of popular culinary artist Thiru Damodaran K, also known as Chef Damu, brings great sorrow. He took culinary arts to people's homes with his talents and expertise, through television programs. Not only did he receive a Guiness World Record in 2010, for conducting the longest cooking marathon by an individual, he was also the recipient of the Padma Shri award. His passing is a great loss to the culinary arts field," wrote CM Vijay.

He added, "I convey my deepest condolences to his grieving family, relatives, friends, and fans of is culinary artistry."

Though he has appeared in scripted films and television shows like Oru Pakka Kathai and Kalyanam Conditions Apply, Damu is best known for being a judge on the comedy reality show Cooku with Comali, having appeared as a judge for all seven seasons of the show.

The exact details of his passing is yet to be revealed. His funeral and last rites are expected to be conducted in Chennai.