Dandapani Desikar, the son of Muthiah Bhagavathar was born on August 27, 1908. He had a very good musical background. Everybody in his family was an expert in music. His family used to teach Thevaram and Thiruvasagam.

He was born at Tiruchengattangudi, near Nannilam. His father was his first guru and at a later stage, he learnt music from Manicka Desikar, Sadayappa Nayanakarar and Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai.

His arangetram took place at a Murugan temple in his native place for the 10-day Vaikasi Visaga festival amidst many musical exponents. The young boy was appreciated by many and was awarded Rs 5 (a huge amount those days).

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Dandapani Desikar also learnt violin from Rajamanickam when he stayed at his brother's house in Kumbakonam for four years.

Desikar used to sing Tamil songs during the Ambal utsavams in Madurai North Chithirai Street, which was lauded by many people and he was also instrumental in the development of the 'Tamil songs movement'.

He was a great singer, who sang with perfect tone and tune. His songs were admired by not only people who knew music but also those who did not know music. That was the power of Dandapani Desikar's music.

He has received many honours and titles like Isai Arasu, Pandisai Pulavar Kone, Thevara Mani, Sangita Sahitya Siromani, Tirumurai Kalanidhi, Pannisai Vendhan, Isai Pulavar, Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Isai Perarignar from the Tamil Isai Sangam and Sangita Natak Academy Award.

Desikar played the lead role in six films, 'Pattinathar', 'Thayumanavar', 'Manickavasagar', 'Nandanar' and 'Thirumazhisai Alwar'. Out of these films, 'Pattinathar' and 'Nandanar' were big hits with Gemini Studio - S S Vasan's production of 'Nandanar' was his most successful movie.

Desikar has also sung a Tamil song in a Kannada movie in 1935.

M M Dandapani Desikar's compositions

N Arun Kumar
(Reference: Net sources)