M M Dandapani Desikar (August 27, 1908 – June 26, 1972) was a Carnatic vocalist, actor and composer.[1]
'Isai Arasu' Dandapani Desikar was born in Tiruchengattangudi, near Nannilam in Madras Presidency. He got training from Manicka Desikar and Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai. He was the son of Muthiah Desikar. 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.[2]
| Song | Raagam | Thalam |
|---|---|---|
| Adiyenai kattu arulvai angayarkkanni | Kambhoji | T/Triputa- |
| Akkamume tarum anbai arindidil | Kadaram | Adi |
| "Thunbam Nergayil" (lyrics by Bharathidasan)[3] | Desh | Adi |
| Film | Year | Role | Director | Producer | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |