The popular Tamizh legend immortalized by the great poet Gopalakrishna Bharati, is the story of a down - trodden who attains Godhood. The story provides inspiration to break caste and religious barriers and stresses on national integration. Music is by Papanasam Sivan. Dhananjayan choreographed and performed as Nandanaar in the Tamizh film Kann Sivandhal Mann Sivakkum directed by Sridhar Raj in 1983. He later made it a solo dance drama, which has been performed umpteen number of times, even in remote villages. His powerful portrayal of Nandanar is his forte in solo performance and has moved the audience to tears on many an occasion.

Dhananjayan presented a segment of Nandanaar in mid 2002 at Jothi Raghavan’s Arpana festival in Boston, on special request from the audience.

Synopsis
The story of Nandan, an untouchable, is the finest example, promulgating the philosophy that there is no caste, creed or religion in the eyes of God. Dhananjayan took a few important incidents in the story and presented it in a solo dramatic depiction. The songs were tuned by the late Papanasam Sivan for the feature film Nandanar in the forties.

Nandan induces his friends to go to Tiruppangoor Shiva temple, only to be disappointed to see the Bull obstructing the sanctum sanctorum. In fear of being despised by his colleagues, he prays to Shiva and Shiva asks Nandi to move a little, so Nandan and his friends could see the idol.

This incident further deepens Nandan’s urge to go to Chidambaram and he craves the permission of Vediyar (the landlord) who chides him saying that an untouchable has no right to worship the Brahmin’s God. Finally, Nandan is asked to perform an impossible task of harvesting 40 acres of land overnight and then go to Chidambaram. Nandan’s faith in God did prove good and he is amazed to see the harvest done overnight. Thus, Nandan goes to Chidambaram and stops at the outer wall wondering whether he would be permitted inside. In the dreams of the priest, Shiva commands them to allow Nandan inside. And to test his austerity, he is asked to enter the pyre. He comes out unhurt and finally submerges with the Lord.