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.