Smitha Rajan, one of India's best and internationally acclaimed Mohiniyattam performers is a strict traditionalist in her style, well known for the structural integrity and spiritual intensity she brings to the stage. She comes from a very rich classical tradition, which spans more than three generations. She is the granddaughter of one of India’s finest classical dance performers, Padmasree (Late) Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and the mother of Mohiniyattam, Smt. (Late) Guru Kalamandalam Kalyanikuttiamma. She holds the unique distinction of being trained by these legends of Indian classical dance world. Her abhinaya and gestures were fine-tuned by the great Krishnan Nair himself.  Smitha started learning Bharatanatyam from the age of 4, from Smt. Kala Vijayan (her aunt, recipient of the Sangeeth Natak Academy Award) and performed her Arangetram in Bharatanatyam at the age of 5. Her mother, Smt. 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. Smitha also learnt Carnatic music from Professor (Late) Kalyanasundaram for over seven years. She is a member of numerous cultural organizations and associated with many television networks in India and abroad. Well versed in Kathakali and Bharatanatyam as well, she actively performs all over the world in both Mohiniyattam and Kathakali. Since her early teens, her primary focus has been Mohiniyattam and commitment to the rich heritage handed over to her by her legendary grandmother.

Smitha resides in Saint Louis, USA, with her husband, Mr. Jyotis Balasubramanian and her two children, Jaidev and Abinav. She is the artistic director of the institution, “Nrithyakshetra (Temple of Dance)”. Smitha tours India every year, attends major dance festivals within India apart from her world tours.