Dandapani Desikar

Madurai Muthaiya Dhandapani Desikar (August 27, 1908 – June 26, 1972) was a Carnatic vocalist, actor and composer.

Famously known as Isai Arasu, Desikar was born to Madurai Muthaiya Desikar and Pappammal in Tiruchengattangudi, near Nannilam in Madras Presidency.

He got training from Manicka Desikar and Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai. He gave his first performance in Tirumarugal. He was a Professor and Head of the Department of Music, Annamalai University for fifteen years. He acted in Tamil films including Nandanar which was produced by S. S. Vasan.

Desikar is one of those singers who have performed full-fledged Tirukkural concerts. P. Muthukumaraswamy Sarma was a student of Desikar.

Music SongRaagamThalam Adiyenai kattu arulvai angayarkkanni Kambhoji T/Triputa- Akkamume tarum anbai arindidil Kadaram Adi "Thunbam Nergayil" (lyrics by Bharathidasan) Desh Adi

Filmography FilmYearRoleDirectorProducerNotes Pattinathar 1937 Pattinathar Life story of Saint Pattinathar, the copy of this film is not available, except a small portion Thayumanavar 1938 Thayumanavar T. R. Sundaram T. R. Sundaram Life story of Thayumanavar Manickavasagar 1939 Manickavasagar T. R. Sundaram V. S. M. Gopala Krishnaiyer Life story of Saint Manickavasagar Nandanar 1942 Nandanaar Murugadasa S.S.Vasan A bhakti film playing the life of harijan saint Nandanar and immense hit.

Awards Sangeetha Kalasikhamani, 1955 by The Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai