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.[2] P. Muthukumaraswamy Sarma was a student of Desikar.[3]

Songs

Song Raagam Thalam

Adiyenai kattu arulvai angayarkkanni

Kambhoji T/Triputa-
Akkamume tarum anbai arindidil Kadaram Adi

"Thunbam Nergayil" (lyrics by Bharathidasan)[4]

Desh Adi

Movies

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.

Awards

Citations

  1. ^ Commune, The (27 August 2022). "MM Dhandappani Desikar: A Carnatic Music Doyen". The Commune. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  2. ^ Rangan, The Hindu, 19 March 2016.
  3. ^ "Disciple who popularized Desikar's legacy". The Times of India. 2 July 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  4. ^ Sriram V (19 April 2018). "Bharathidasan, Dandapani Desigar and the Travancore Sisters". Madras Heritage and Carnatic Music. Retrieved 11 January 2023.

References

External links

Authority control databases: Artists
Categories