Featured BiographyImage source: StarsUnfolded
Quick Info
Date of birth17 December 1975
Age49 (as of 2024)
BirthplaceMumbai, Maharashtra, India
ProfessionChoreographer
NationalityIndian
Marital statusUnmarried
FamilyFather - Ramesh Merchant; Mother - Hridaya Merchant; Sister - Shruti Merchant; Brother - 1
Vaibhavi Merchant Biography
Vaibhavi Merchant is an Indian film choreographer from Mumbai known for her work in Bollywood song-and-dance sequences, television dance judging and stage-
Early life and backgroundVaibhavi Merchant was born on 17 December 1975 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Raised in a family with deep roots in dance, she is the granddaughter of choreographer B. Hiralal Merchant and the maternal great-granddaughter of Pandit Sunderprasad, a co-founder of the Jaipur Gharana, a noted centre for Kathak. From an early age she trained in multiple dance traditions: she began formal lessons at five, studied Bharatnatyam with Rohinton Cama and Western classical dance with Martha Da Cunha.
Her family includes her parents Ramesh and Hridaya Merchant and a sister, Shruti Merchant, who is also a choreographer. Details about her college education and broader schooling are not publicly listed in the available information.
Career
Vaibhavi Merchant launched her career in the Hindi film industry after assisting her uncle, choreographer Chinni Prakash. Her choreography gained early attention with the song “Dhol Baje” from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999). She is credited with a film debut appearance in the Malayalam film Snehapoorvam Anna (2000).
Over the years Merchant became one of Bollywood’s prominent choreographers, creating dance sequences for feature films and for live stage presentations. She also worked internationally, choreographing the stage musical The Merchants of Bollywood, written and directed by Toby Gough, which brought a Bollywood-style production to global audiences.
In addition to her choreography work, Merchant has been a familiar face on Indian television as a judge on dance reality shows. Her television appearances include judging roles on Nach Baliye 3, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (season 3), Zara Nach Ke Dikha 2 and Just Dance, where her film experience and classical training informed critiques and direction given to competing dancers.
Public profile
Physically, she is listed at about 163 cm (5'4") in height, with black hair and black eyes. Public profiles include basic personal preferences and interests: she has named actresses Rani Mukerji and Katrina Kaif among her favourites, and is reported to enjoy travel and reading. Her listed measurements and a reported weight appear in public listings, though such details are standard elements of celebrity profiles rather than aspects of her professional work.
Merchant’s personal life has drawn public attention at times. She is unmarried. Public listings note a past relationship and engagement with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Awards and recognition
Vaibhavi Merchant’s work has been recognized within the Indian film industry. At the 71st National Film Awards she received the Silver Lotus Award (Rajat Kamal) for Best Choreography for the song “Dhindhora Baje Re” from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani; the award included a cash prize. This national-level recognition is a significant professional milestone.
Latest updates
As of the most recent available information, Merchant’s career spans choreographing for films and stage, and judging television dance competitions. She continues to be identified with both classical and film dance traditions, reflecting training that began in early childhood.
Summary
Vaibhavi Merchant’s biography is that of a choreographer rooted in a family tradition of dance who translated classical training into a successful career in commercial cinema, stage musical production and television. Her national award for Best Choreography highlights ongoing industry recognition for her creative contributions.
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Recent Work
Choreography that won the Silver Lotus Award (Rajat Kamal) for Best Choreography at the 71st National Film Awards.
2025Career Highlights
- Early choreography credit for the song Dhol Baje (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, 1999)
- Choreographed the stage musical The Merchants of Bollywood
- Judge on dance reality shows including Nach Baliye 3 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (season 3)
- Winner of the Silver Lotus Award (Rajat Kamal) for Best Choreography at the 71st National Film Awards
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Vaibhavi Merchant born?
Vaibhavi Merchant was born on 17 December 1975.
What is Vaibhavi Merchant known for?
Vaibhavi Merchant is known for choreographer.
What is Vaibhavi Merchant’s marital status?
Vaibhavi Merchant's marital status is listed as Unmarried.

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