Smitha Rajan
Encyclopedia
Smitha Rajan is a Mohiniyattam performer from Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....

 and granddaughter of the legendary India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

n classical dancer couple of Padma Shri
Padma Shri
Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan...

 Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair
Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair
Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair was one of the most renowned Kathakali artists of any time, and arguably the greatest in the history of the four-century-old classical dance-drama from Kerala in southern India...

 and Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma
Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma
Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma was an epoch-making Mohiniyattam danseuse from Kerala in southern India. She is considered as the "Mother of Mohiniyattam"...

. Her mother Sreedevi Rajan is a noted Mohiniyattam Guru and Smitha's teacher. Her father is the late T R Rajappan.

Profile

Smitha Rajan started her training in dance at her maternal grandparent’s residence in Tripunithura off Kochi. Blessed with the perfect ambiance of dance and music, for young Smitha, learning dance was something that was as natural as learning to speak in her mother tongue. Smitha’s aunt, Kala Vijayan (a recipient of the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Mohiniyattam) was the first person to watch the talent in young Smitha. During a master class at her grand parent’s institution, Kerala Kalalayam in Tripunithura, her aunt saw little Smitha performing a full Cholkettu (the first item in a typical Mohiniyattam repertoire) along with the senior students. From then Guru Kala Vijayan started training her in Bharatanatyam and Smitha did her Arangetram in Bharatanatyam at the age of 4. Her mother, Guru Sreedevi Rajan, a renowned dancer and teacher, taught Smitha her first lessons in Mohiniyattam and Smitha performed her Arangetram in Mohiniyattam at the age of 6. She later mastered in Mohiniyattam from her legendary grand mother too. Her grand father Guru Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair taught her Kathakali and fine tuned her Mukhajabhinaya (facial expressions). Smitha has also undergone training in Classical Carnatic Music under Professor Kalyanasundaram for over 8 years. At Kerala Kalalayam she was trained in Kuchupudi as well for 5 yrs. She had the unique blessings to start teaching these styles at the parent institution Kerala Kalalayam from 1983 at the age of 14 which she continued till 1990.

She turned professional dancer at the age of 12 and had accompanied her grand mother, her mother and her aunt all over India and abroad to numerous venues during the pursuit of popularizing Mohiniyattam in 1980. She was the leading performer of Kerala Kalalayam from 1979 to 1992. This has given her a very strong underpinning and confidence in handling this dance style with great ease and versatility. She has assisted her mother, grandmother and her aunt in teaching Mohiniyattam to a number of today’s Mohiniyattam performers. She carried the complete essence of her grandmother’s teachings and is considered the Flagship student and performer of the Mohiniyattam which, Guru Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma had learned from Kalamandalam and enhanced and popularized. Today Smitha lives in St. Louis, MO, USA along with her family and is running the institution Nrithyakshetra “Temple of Dance” as a branch of the institution her mother Sreedevi Rajan had started at Kochi in association with the parent institution Kerala Kalalayam.

Honors

2009- Honored by OHMKARAM, Greater St. Louis, USA

2005- Awarded the title Kalaratna “Vallathol Puraskar” by KALADARPANAM, Kerala

2005- Dance Omi International Dance Collective Residency, New York, USA

2002- Recognized as Ambassador for Global Peace through Art and Culture by Indian Junior Chamber of Commerce

2002- Honored by SPIC-MACAY, Kochi Chapter

1997&1994- Recognized as the Best Mohiniyattam Dancer of the year by NANA, for her Indian National Television Network (Doordarshan)performance

1993- Recognized as "Artist of the Year" by "THE HINDU", India's National Newspapers, for her performance in SOORYA Music and Dance Festival

1990- Upgraded as A+ Grade Artist of National Television Network (Doordarshan)

1989- Acknowledged by SPIC-MACAY and was included into their panel of performers

1989- Acknowledged by Kendra Sangeeth Natak Academy and was inducted into their panel of performers

1987- "A grade artist" of Doordatrsan(Youngest A Grade Artist)

1985- Achieved National Scholarship from Kendra Sangeeth Natak Academy, New Delhi, Govt. of India

1985- Acknowledged by Doordarshan, National Television Network in India and was included into their panel of performing artists

Few of her Performances sequentially

2009

National Program of Dance - Doordarsan, New Delhi, INDIA.

Soorya- Mohiniyattam Festival, TVM, INDIA.

Kalyana Krishna Music and Dance Festival, KOCHI, INDIA

Kalapradarshini Dance and Music Festival, Chennai, INDIA.

Swaralaya Dance and Music Festival, Palakkadu, Kerala, INDIA

St Louis Dance Festival, St Louis, USA.

Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam, Chicago, IL, USA.

2009 Nrityotsav- Indian Classical Dance Festival, Omaha, NE, USA.

2009 SIUE India Night, Edwardsville, IL, USA.

Brahma Gana Sabha, Chennai, INDIA.

Doordarsan South Zone Program of Dance, TVM, INDIA.

2008

Kalyana Krishna Music and Dance Festival, KOCHI, INDIA.

Doordarsan National Program of Dance, New Delhi, INDIA.

Sri Vikom Mahadeva Temple Festival, Vikom, Kerala.

SOORYA – Ramayanam Festival, TVM, INDIA.

MUDRA Festival, Dept of Culture, Govt of Kerala.

Navrathri Festival, TDM Hall, Kochi, INDIA.

Kaladarpanam" Art and Cultural movement of India, Kottayam, Kerala.

2008 -India Night Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, IL USA.

2007

"NATYAVEDA" Mohini Festival, TVM, INDIA.

Kalyana Krishna Dance and Music Festival,Kochi, INDIA

SOORYA Mohiniyattam Festival, TVM, INDIA.

Navrathri Festival, TDM Hall, Kochi, INDIA.

Lumbini Arts Society, OTTAVA, CANADA.

Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana, 30th Anniversary of Aradhana Festival, Ohio, USA.

2006

Kalyana Krishna Music and Dance Festival, KOCHI, INDIA.

Changampuzha Samaskarika Kendra Nrityolsav 2006, INDA.

SOORYA Mohiniyattam Festival, TVM, INDIA.

Navrathri Festival, Kochi, INDIA.

2005

Hindu Society of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida, USA).

Nataraja aradhana, Hindu Temple, Along with students (St. Louis, USA).

2004

Tamil Association of Memphis, TN, (USA).

Poothana Moksha Kathakali (Poornathrayeesha Temple, Kerala, INDIA).

National telecast (Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi).

South Zone Telecast, (Doordarshan, Thiruvananthapuram or TVM).

KARUNA, A dance drama based on the poem by Mahakavi Kumaranasan, Produced by Doordarshan (National Television of India)

2003

South Zone Telecast, (Doordarshan, TVM)

(Jan, March, May, August, September, Oct. Nov & Dec, Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

(September) Saint Louis, ISKCON (USA).

(July August) Jugalbandhi, with Bharatanatyam performer Indira Kadambi and musician TV Ram Prasad

ASHA Charitable Organization (USA).

Indian Association (Tokyo, JAPAN).

2002

Urbana Champagne (University of Illinois, USA).

SOORYA Music and Dance Festival Sliver Jubilee Celebrations (TVM, INDIA).

Tribute to Masters (Kochi, India).

Navrathri Celebrations, Karayogam, (Eranakulam, Kerala, INDIA).

FOKANA Welcome Show 2002 (Chicago, USA).

“ABHINAYA” Ecstasy through expressions (Saint Louis, USA).

South Zone Telecast, (Doordarshan, TVM, INDIA).

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM, INDIA).

ASHA Charitable Organization (USA).

2001

Missouri Historical Society (Saint Louis, USA).

South Zone Telecast, (Doordarshan, TVM).

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM).

Swathi Music and Dance festival Kerala Fine Arts Society (Kochi, Kerala, INDIA).

India Night (Southern Illinois University, USA).

ASHA Charitable Organization (USA).

Navrathri Celebrations (Hindu Temple St. Louis, USA).

2000

Cultural Association of South India, Deepavali Celebration (St. Louis, USA).

National Telecast (Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi).

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM).

Malayalee Association (Abu Dhabi, UAE).

Indian Association (Dubai, UAE).

1999

Europe Tour (London, Spain & Poland)

Malayalee Association, Onam Celebration (St. Louis, USA)

1998

National telecast (Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

Sur Singar Samsad Kal Ki Kalakar Sangeeth Sammelan (Bombay, INDIA)

Ustad Allawudin Khan Sangeeth Academy (Bhopal, INDIA)

1997/98

Nishagandhi Festival (Trivandrum, INDIA)

1997

(Oct) in esteemed presence of Queen Elizabeth II (On her visit to Kochi, at Taj Malabar)

National telecast (Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM, INDIA)

Sri Krishna Temple, Chelamattom, Kerala, INDIA

1996

National telecast (Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM, INDIA)

Sri Shankara School of Dance (Kalady, Kerala, INDIA)

1995

Centenary Celebration, Bar Association (Vaikom, Kerala, INDIA)

Fine arts Society (Vaikom, Kerala, INDIA)

National telecast (Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM, INDIA)

Thendral Thiruvizha (Madras, INDIA)

1994

National telecast (Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM, INDIA)

1993

Jugalbandhi (with another classical dance form, Bharatanatyam), at Jagan mohan Palace auditorium, Mysore, INDIA and at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore INDIA

SOORYA Music and Dance Festival (Trivandrum, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM, INDIA)

NCPA (National Center for Performing Arts, Bombay, INDIA)

(May 26) Nrityotsava (A Festival Of Dance organized by Sangeeth Natak Academy, Delhi & Dep’t. Of Culture, Kerala at Tagore Theater, Tiruruvananthapuram

1992

Nishagandhi Festival (Trivandrum, INDIA)

Natyakala 1992, at ALNASAR Leisureland, Nashwan Hall, UAE

Oct. Gulf tour, (Malayalee Assoc. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, UAE)

Feb- German tour for one month. (Stuttgart, Munich, Frankfurt, GERMANY)

(19th- July) National telecast (Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM, INDIA)

Palani Pankunni (Palani, Tamil Nadu, INDIA) (leading her disciples at Nrityagram)

Allaiance Françoise Festival, Pondicherry, INDIA, (leading her disciples at Nrityagram)

Chowdiah Memorial Hall
Chowdiah Memorial Hall
Chowdiah Memorial Hall is a cultural centre in Bangalore which provides a home for musical and theatrical performances as well as competitions. Located in Malleswaram, it was built as a tribute to Tirumakudalu Chowdiah. It is administered by Academy of Music, an independent registered body, founded...

Bangalore, INDIA (leading her disciples at Nrityagram)

Vasantha Habba (Nrityagram, Bangalore, INDIA)

1991

Calicut University (Kozhikode, Kerala, INDIA)

Keli, Kottayam, Kerala, INDIA

Krishna Gana Sabha (Madras, INDIA)

"Vasantha Habba" (Nrityagram, Bangalore, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

1990

ICCR (Kamayini Auditorium, New Delhi)- TRIVENI SANGAMAM- 3 generations on stage (Mohiniyattam Along with her Grand Mother, Mother, Aunt and Sister)

Sangeetha College (Palakkadu, Kerala, INDIA)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

India International Center (New Delhi)

1989

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

Natyakala Shilpam, Kerala Fine Arts, Ekm, INDIA

Kathakali performance with legendary Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Shri Poornathrayeesha temple, Tripunithura, Kerala

Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, Kerala

1988

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

1987

Performed 2 Ashtapadis in the Ashtapadi series telecasted by Doordarshan TVM, directed by Dr. Joseph Chazikaadan

National Telecast (Doordarshan, New Deihi)

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

Department of Tourism, Kochi, INDIA

1986

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

Kerala Kalamandalam (Cheruthuruthy, Kerala)

1985

Regional Telecast (Doordarshan, TVM)

Tata Tea, Moonnar, Kerala

Nishagandhi Festival (TVM)

1984

(Jan) Esteemed presence of the Members of the Indian Parliament (Rajyasabha)

CBSE School Dance Competitions (First place for Mohiniyattam & Bharatanatyam)

1983

Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, Kerala, FACT Aluva and many stages

1982/83

CBSE School Dance Competitions (Won first place for Mohiniyattam & Bharatanatyam on both years)

1981

Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam, Kerala, INDIA)

Akashavani Radio Broadcasting Annual Celebration (Town Hall, Trishur, Kerala, INDIA)

CBSE School Dance Competitions (First place for Mohiniyattam & Bharatanatyam)

1979 to 1993

Lead dancer for Kerala Kalalayam performances- temple festivals and many cultural organizations throughout India

1975

Arangetram in Mohiniyattam

1974

Arangetram (First stage) at the age of 5 in Bharatanatyam.

Lectures and demonstrations and teaching experiences

1998..Present Runs and manages NRITYAKSHETRA St Louis Chapter in USA

1994..1997 Mohiniyattam teacher at Kerala Kalalayam, Tripunithura

1991..1993 Mohiniyattam teacher at Nrithyagram, Dance Village, Bangalore, INDIA

1993 Lecture Demo SOORYA Trivandrum, INDIA

1989..1990 Lecture Demo SPIC MACAY, New Delhi, INDIA

1983..1990 Mohiniyattam teacher at Kerala Kalalayam, Tripunithura

1981..1987 Many Lecture Demo, on behalf of SPIC MACAY New Delhi,(touring most part of south and north India), Arangu Kottayam, Kerala fine Arts Society Kochi, Noopuram Fine arts school Kannur and many dance institutions (assisting Late Kalamandalam Kalyanikkuttyamma & Guru Sreedevi Rajan)

1979..1992 Leading dancer for Kerala Kalalayam, Tripunithura, by performing for the institution, in most part of India

1991 Lecture Demo, together with Late Kalamandalam Kalyanikkuttyamma, and Smt. Sreedevi Rajan, at Krishna Gana Sabha (Madras)

1990 Lecture Demo ICCR, New Delhi, INDIA

1989 Lecture Demo SPIC MACAY, Rajasthan, INDIA

1989 Documentary Film on Mohiniyattam by Kalamandalam Kalyanikkuttyamma by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts or IGNCA

External links

  • http://smitharajan.tripod.com/
  • http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/01/23/stories/2009012351430800.htm
  • http://video.webindia123.com/dance/mohiniyattam/smitharajan/performence1/index.htm
  • http://www.cyberkerala.com/mohiniyattam/smitha.htm
  • http://www.narthaki.com/info/intervw/intrvw61.html
  • http://www.indiamartinusa.net
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