Chef Damu: Sivaangi Krishnakumar gets emotional remembering Chef Damu: “I don’t have words to express what I feel”

Singer and television personality Sivaangi Krishnakumar has expressed shock over the demise of celebrity chef Damu, fondly known as Damu Appa. Following his demise, Sivaangi recalled her association with the chef and spoke about the affection he had shown her over the years. She said the news came as a huge shock and that she was struggling to find the words to express her feelings.“I never expected this. I never thought I would wake up to news like this. I don’t have words to express what I feel,” Sivaangi said, remembering the moments she shared with the late chef.Speaking about their bond, Sivaangi recalled the affection Chef Damu had shown her on the sets. “He was always so affectionate towards me and treated me like his own daughter. We have shared so many memories over the past five years, and I will always cherish them,” she said. Their relationship went beyond their professional association, with their close bond also evident on the sets of Cooku with Comali, where Chef Damu was a familiar and much-loved presence among the contestants.Sivaangi also spoke about the respect and love people continued to have for the chef. Recalling her recent visit to the United States, she said several people she met there introduced themselves as students of Chef Damu. She noted that his influence extended far beyond television and that his contribution to the culinary world would be remembered by many.Calling his demise a huge loss to the industry, Sivaangi said she would hold on to the memories they shared. She also prayed for his soul to rest in peace.Chef Damu, whose real name was K. Damodaran, passed away in Chennai on 25 October at the age of 72. He was widely known as a judge on the popular Tamil cooking reality show Cooku with Comali, where his warmth and interactions with contestants made him a beloved television personality. A Padma Shri recipient, he also earned a place in the Guinness World Records in 2010 for cooking 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. His demise has left a void in the culinary and television industries.