Sreedevi Rajan

🪔 About

Sreedevi Rajan is a leading authority and pioneer in Mohiniyattam, widely recognized for her significant contributions to the dance form. Born to the legendary Kathakali maestro Guru Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and the revered "Mother of Mohiniyattam" Guru Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, she was immersed in Indian classical dance from a very young age. Her comprehensive training included Mohiniyattam under her mother, Kathakali under her father, Bharatanatyam under A.R.R. Bhaskar, and Carnatic Music under Prof. Kalyanasundaram. She performed her arangetram in both Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam at the age of five. Throughout her career spanning over five decades, Sreedevi Rajan has enriched Mohiniyattam through performance, choreography, and scholarship. She began choreographing Mohiniyattam pieces alongside her mother at a young age and has adapted literary works of various Malayalam poets into the dance form. Her scholarly contributions include the book “Mudrakhyam,” a visual dictionary detailing Mohiniyattam hand gestures. She has also composed music for literary works. In 2000, Sreedevi Rajan founded Nrithyakshethra, a renowned dance institution in Kochi, Kerala, which serves as a sister institution to Kerala Kalalayam, established by her parents. Nrithyakshethra offers training in classical dances like Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam, as well as Carnatic music. Her teaching legacy is carried forward by her daughters, who are also accomplished dancers and educators. Awards & Honours: Kalasree Award Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy (2012), Kalasagar Puraskar, Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval memorial Award, Natyashree, Natyashreshta by Kaladarpanam, Art & Cultural Movement of India, Senior Fellowship from Ministry of Human Resources, Govt. of India.