Born in 1957 in a family of art, Rajan Poduval's parents Late Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval and Late Radha Poduvalsiar were both reputed artists of their time. He had the advantage of obtaining basic lessons of Chenda, dance, music and other temple rituals at the very tender age from his father. Rajan Poduval has also undergone scientific training in Kathakali Dance under the guidance of Guru Kalamandalam Govindankutty and participated in various Kathakali and Dance Drama competitions organised by Calcutta Kalamandalam.
Rajan Poduval has also organised various cultural shows/festivals at various prominent places of India with the support of leading performing artists in the field of Chendamelam, Panchavadyam, Thayambaka, Chakyarkoothu, Ottanthullal, Mohiniyattom, Bharathanatyam, Kathakali, etc. He has also produced a documentary film on Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval which has won wide appreciation from the art lovers and in token of recognition Kalakshetra, Chennai honoured him during the Kathakali Festival organised by Kalakshetra on 7 – 9 September 2009.
Rajan Poduval has been awarded with a Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture for the revival of the extinct art form Ashtapadiyattam and the same has completed and presented on stage in its true spirit which has been widely appreciated. He has also revived the Kathakali play Bheeshmapratignya written by his father Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval and presented the same on stage. This has also been received good appreciation from the art lovers.
He has many more ambitious projects in hand to bring on to the stage and working on the same.