Smitha Rajan

Internationally acclaimed Mohiniyattam performer, Smitha Rajan, is well known for the spiritual intensity and personified grace she brings to the stage. She comes from a very rich classical tradition, which spans more than three generations.

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Legacy & Lineage

She is the granddaughter of one of India’s finest classical dance performers, (Late) Guru Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and the mother of Mohiniyattam, (Late) Guru Kalamandalam Kallyanikutty Amma. Recipient of numerous accolades which includes the Sangeetha Natak Academy Puraskar, Smitha has been performing for the past four decades with utmost adherence to the puritan classical tradition of Mohiniyattam, which is well documented by her legendary grandmother. The natural learning opportunity Smitha received under her legendary grandparents, her mother Guru Sreedevi Rajan, and her aunt Guru Kala Vijayan, laid in her the unique blend of lasya (grace) and abhinaya (facial expression).

Early Training

Smitha got the rare opportunity to extensively travel along with her grandmother, assisting her during her lecture demonstrations and master classes conducted for Mohiniyattam. Her abhinaya and gestures were fine-tuned by the great Krishnan Nair himself, which has tuned in her the ability to transform and enact multiple characters in this Eka Aharya (single costume) dance style as a solo performer.

Well-versed in Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi since her early teens, her primary focus has been Mohiniyattam and commitment to the rich heritage handed over to her by her legendary grandmother.

International Recognition

Smitha’s artistic excellence as a teacher and performer has been illustrated across the western world for the past 17 years. With her wide teaching experience, which spans more than three decades, she has numerous students around the globe, many of whom are well-known dancers in their respective fields.

Her pursuit for excellence in Mohiniyattam has brought to her numerous critical acclaims from well-known critics in The New York Times and other prestigious publications.

Nrithyakshetra

Smitha spends her time both in the USA and India, and attends major dance festivals in both countries apart from her world tours. She is the artistic director of the institution Nrithyakshetra (Temple of Dance) based in St. Louis, Missouri.

She also trains students from across the world, offering virtual sessions for those dedicated to learning Mohiniyattam in its traditional form.

Award-Winning Productions

Krishnaayam – A journey through the life of Lord Krishna from his childhood naughty days to adolescence

Dasavatar – Based on Jayadeva’s Ashtapadi, a production for Samskrita Bharati, NY

Ramasagaram – A poetic production for Malayalam poet Sri. S. Rameshan Nair’s work

Prutha – The sorrow of Kunthi or Prutha, a presentation in Mohiniyattam

Ramayanam – A ballet based on Sri Swati Tirunal’s kriti Bhavayami

Stree Shakthi in Mohiniyattam – Women empowerment through epic, mythical, and historical stories

Shiva Shakthi – Dance drama, Nataraja Ardhana production

Jhansi Rani Saptham in Mohiniyattam – Story of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi

Tribute to Masters – A production in Mohiniyattam and Kathakali

Ramayana Saptham – Story of Rama from epic Ramayan

Karuna – A dance drama based on the poem by Mahakavi Kumaranasan, produced by Doordarshan (National Television of India)