Vaibhavi Merchant is an Indian dance

choreographer Choreography is the art of designing sequences of movements of physical bodies (or their depictions) in which Motion (physics), motion or Visual appearance, form or both are specified. ''Choreography'' may also refer to the design itself. A chor ...

working in

Bollywood Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, is primarily produced in Mumbai. The popular term Bollywood is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (former name of Mumbai) and "Cinema of the United States, Hollywood". The in ...

films. She won the

National Film Award for Best Choreography The National Film Award for Best Choreography is one of the National Film Awards presented annually by the National Film Development Corporation of India. It is one of several awards presented for feature films and awarded with Rajat Kamal (Sil ...

for the song ''Dholi Taaro Dhol Baaje'' from ''

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'', released internationally as ''Straight From the Heart'', is a 1999 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama musical film directed, co-written, and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn ...

'' in 1999.

Career

Merchant born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to Ramesh Merchant and Hridaya Merchant. She is the granddaughter of choreographer B. Hiralal & the elder sister of Shruti Merchant. She began her career by assisting her uncle

Chinni Prakash Chinni Prakash is an Cinema of India, Indian film choreographer, art director, actor, Screenwriter, script-writer, Film director, director. He is best known for his choreographic work in numerous Bollywood, Hindi films. Chinni Prakash is the ac ...

. In 1999, she did her first solo work for the choreography of the song ''Dhol Baaje'' for the film ''

''. She won the

for her work. She had her acting debut in a

Malayalam Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of ...

film ''

Snehapoorvam Anna ''Snehapoorvam Anna'' is a 2000 Malayalam romantic film starring Vaibhavi Merchant and Innocent. It was written by Hari Kumar and directed by Sangeeth Sivan. The film concerns the relationship between a father and his daughter. Plot Anna is he ...

'' in 2000. She took a short break from the industry and then returned with the song ''O Ri Chhori'' in the 2001 film ''

Lagaan ''Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India'', or simply ''Lagaan'', () is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language epic period musical sports drama film written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The film was produced by Aamir Khan, who stars alongside debuta ...

''. She then choreographed ''Kajra Re'' from ''

Bunty Aur Babli ''Bunty Aur Babli'' (transl. ''Bunty and Babli'') is a 2005 Indian Hindi-language crime comedy film directed by Shaad Ali, written by Jaideep Sahni from a story by Aditya Chopra, and produced by Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. The film s ...

'' (2005) that fetched her several awards. She continued to choreograph selected numbers in films such as ''

Devdas ''Devdas'' (, transliterated as ''Dēbôdās'') is a Bengali romance novel written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The story pivots a tragic triangle linking Devdas, an archetypal lover in viraha (separation); Paro, his forbidden childhood love ...

'', '' Baghban'', ''

Fida ''Fida'' (translation: ''Infatuated'') is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language romantic action thriller film directed by Ken Ghosh, starring Fardeen Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and Akhilendra Mishra. The film was released on 20 August 2004. ...

'', ''

Dhoom ''Dhoom'' (transl. ''Blast'') is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language motorcycle, moto action film directed by Sanjay Gadhvi and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The story was written by Chopra with a screenplay by Vijay Kr ...

'' (as well as its two sequels), ''

Veer-Zaara ''Veer-Zaara'' is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language romantic film directed and produced by Yash Chopra, and written by his son Aditya Chopra. It stars Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta as the titular star-crossed lovers: Veer Pratap Singh is an ...

'', ''

Aaja Nachle ''Aaja Nachle'' (transl. ''Come, let's dance'') is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language dance drama film directed by Anil Mehta in his directorial debut, and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The film stars Madhuri Dixit in ...

'', ''

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi ''Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'' (), also known by its initialism as ''RNBDJ'', is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Aditya Chopra. It was produced by his father Yash Chopra under their production banner of Yash R ...

'' and '' Aiyyaa''. She also choreographed the Australian musical '' The Merchants of Bollywood'', a musical written by Toby Gough about her family. She has been a judge on various television dance reality shows like '' Nach Baliye 3'', '' Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'' (season 3), '' Zara Nachke Dikha 2'', and ''Just Dance''.Hindustan Times
/ref>

Filmography

As choreographer

*1999: ''

'' (Dhol Baaje) *2001: '' Albela'' *2001: ''

'' *2002: '' Filhaal'' *2002: '' Na Tum Jaano Na Hum'' *2002: ''

'' *2002: ''

Deewangee ''Deewangee'' () is a 2002 Indian Hindi-language psychological thriller film directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Nitin Manmohan. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna, and Urmila Matondkar. The music was composed by Ismail Darbar, wit ...

'' *2002: '' Karz: The Burden of Truth'' *2002: ''Guru Mahaguru'' *2003: '' Dil Ka Rishta'' *2003: '' Dum'' *2003: '' Kash Aap Hamare Hote'' *2003: '' Haasil'' *2003: ''

Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost ''Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost'' () is a 2003 Indian Hindi-language drama film starring Abhishek Bachchan, Lara Dutta and Chunky Pandey. The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia in his directorial debut. The film touched on the subject of the influen ...

'' *2004: ''

Aetbaar ''Aetbaar'' () is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language romantic psychological thriller film directed by Vikram Bhatt, starring Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham, Bipasha Basu and Supriya Pilgaonkar. Ratan Tata produced the film. ''Aetbaar'' was inspired ...

'' *2004: '' Rudraksh'' *2004: '' Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities'' *2004: '' Shaadi Ka Laddoo'' *2004: '' Garv'' *2004: '' Kyun! Ho Gaya Na...'' *2004: ''

'' *2004: ''

Rakht ''Rakht'' () is a 2004 Indian supernatural horror film, written and directed by Mahesh V Manjrekar. The film stars Bipasha Basu, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Dino Morea, Amrita Arora and Neha Dhupia. The film is a remake of the 2000 American fi ...

'' *2004: ''

Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa ''Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa'' () is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film starring Salman Khan, Preity Zinta, Bhumika Chawla, Delnaaz Paul, Riya Sen and Helen. It is an unofficial adaptation of the American film ''Return to Me'' (20 ...

'' *2004: '' Madhoshi'' *2004: '' Tumsa Nahin Dekha'' *2004: '' Veer Zaara'' *2004: ''

Swades ''Swades'' () is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language drama film co-written, directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, alongside Gayatri Joshi, Kishori Ballal, Daya Shankar Pandey, Rajesh Vivek, and Lekh Tandon. T ...

'' *2004: '' Dil Maange More'' *2005: '' Chehraa'' *2005: ''

'' *2005: ''

No Entry One-way traffic (or uni-directional traffic) is traffic that moves in a single direction. A one-way street is a street either facilitating only one-way traffic, or designed to direct vehicles to move in one direction. One-way streets typicall ...

'' *2005: ''

Ramji Londonwaley ''Ramji Londonwaley'' () is a 2005 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Sanjay Dayma and produced by Sunanda Murali Manohar. The film stars Madhavan and Samita Bangargi. Madhavan also worked as the dialogue writer for the film. ...

'' *2005: ''

Athadu ''Athadu'' () is a 2005 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film, written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas and produced by Jayabheri Arts. The film stars Mahesh Babu as a hitman hired to stage the assassination of a politician, only to be ...

'' (Telugu) *2005: '' Shaadi No. 1'' *2005: ''

Neal 'n' Nikki ''Neal 'n' Nikki'' is a 2005 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Arjun Sablok and produced by Yash Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The film stars Uday Chopra and Tanisha Mukerji, with a special appearance by Abhish ...

'' *2005: '' Shikhar'' *2006: ''

Rang De Basanti ''Rang De Basanti'' () is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language epic coming-of-age socio-political drama film written, produced, and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. The film stars an ensemble cast including Aamir Khan, Siddharth (in his Hindi d ...

'' *2006: '' Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai'' *2006: '' Fanaa'' *2006: ''

Krrish ''Krrish'' () is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language superhero action thriller film directed and produced by Rakesh Roshan. The film stars Hrithik Roshan in a dual role, alongside Priyanka Chopra, Naseeruddin Shah, Rekha, Sharat Saxena and Man ...

'' *2006: '' Umrao Jaan'' *2006: '' Baabul'' *2006: ''Chamki Chameli'' *2006: ''

Dhoom 2 ''Dhoom 2'' (transl. ''Blast 2''), also known as ''Dhoom 2: Back in Action'', is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language caper action thriller film directed by Sanjay Gadhvi and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. Written by Vijay Krishna A ...

'' *2007: '' Marigold'' *2007: ''

Heyy Babyy ''Heyy Babyy'' is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language comedy film produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Sajid Khan. It stars Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Vidya Balan, Juanna Sanghvi and Boman Irani. The core storyline of ...

'' *2007: ''

'' *2007: '' Jhoom Barabar Jhoom'' *2007: ''

Ta Ra Rum Pum ''Ta Ra Rum Pum'' is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language sports drama film directed by Siddharth Anand and written by Habib Faisal. Produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner, the film stars Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji, alongside ...

'' *2008: ''

Love Story 2050 ''Love Story 2050'' is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language science fiction-romance film starring producer Pammi Baweja and director Harry Baweja's son Harman Baweja, and Priyanka Chopra. It is Bollywood's first utopian time travel film. The premiere ...

'' *2008: ''

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic ''Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic'' (transl. ''A Little Love, A Little Magic'') is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Kunal Kohli and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. The film stars Saif Ali Khan ...

'' *2008: ''

Bhoothnath ''Bhoothnath'' () is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language supernatural comedy film written and directed by Vivek Sharma, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Aman Siddiqui, Priyanshu Chatterjee and Rajpal Yadav and featuring Shah Rukh Khan in an ...

'' *2008: '' Dostana'' *2008: '' Tashan'' *2009: '' Dil Bole Hadippa'' *2009: '' Luck By Chance'' *2009: ''

Delhi-6 ''Delhi-6'' is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan as an NRI who arrives in India with his ailing grandmother (played by Waheeda Rehman) and begins discovering his roots ...

'' *2009: '' Kurbaan'' *2009: '' Kambakkht Ishq'' *2010: ''

No Problem ''No problem'' is an English expression, used as a response to '' thanks'' (among other functions). It is regarded by some as a less formal alternative to '' you're welcome'', which shares the same function. Informality In the culture of younger ...

'' *2010: ''

Band Baaja Baaraat ''Band Baaja Baaraat'' (; also known as ''Wedding Planners'') is a 2010 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Maneesh Sharma in his directorial debut, written by Habib Faisal, and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Fi ...

'' *2011: ''

Don 2 ''Don 2: The King Is Back'' is a 2011 Indian Hindi language action thriller film written, co-produced and directed by Farhan Akhtar. It is the second installment in the '' Don reboot series''. Jointly produced by Excel Entertainment and Red ...

'' *2011: ''

Game A game is a structured type of play usually undertaken for entertainment or fun, and sometimes used as an educational tool. Many games are also considered to be work (such as professional players of spectator sports or video games) or art ...

'' *2011: ''

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ''Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'' (), is a 2011 Indian Hindi-language Road movie, road comedy drama film directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment. The film stars an ensemble cast of Hrithik ...

'' *2011: '' Ladies vs Ricky Bahl'' *2011: ''

Bodyguard A bodyguard (or close protection officer/operative) is a type of security guard, government law enforcement officer, or servicemember who protects an very important person, important person or group of people, such as high-ranking public offic ...

'' *2012: '' Aiyyaa'' *2012: ''

Ek Tha Tiger ''Ek Tha Tiger'' () is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language Action film, action thriller film directed and co-written by Kabir Khan (director), Kabir Khan and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. The film stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, ...

'' *2012: ''

Jab Tak Hai Jaan ''Jab Tak Hai Jaan'' ( ''As Long as I Live'') is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Yash Chopra, co-written and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, ...

'' *2013: ''

Bombay Talkies Bombay Talkies was a movie studio founded in 1934. During its period of operation, Bombay Talkies produced 40 movies in Malad, a suburb of the Indian city of Bombay. The studio was established in 1934 by Himanshu Rai and Devika Rani. Afte ...

'' *2013: ''

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag ''Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'' () is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, written by lyricist Prasoon Joshi, and produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures in association with Rajiv Tandon and e ...

'' *2013: ''

Dhoom 3 ''Dhoom 3'' (), stylised as ''Dhoom: 3'', is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language heist action film written & directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya and produced by Aditya Chopra, who co-wrote the story. The film, which is the third installment of '' Dho ...

'' *2016: '' Fan'' *2016: ''

Sultan Sultan (; ', ) is a position with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic abstract noun meaning "strength", "authority", "rulership", derived from the verbal noun ', meaning "authority" or "power". Later, it came to be use ...

'' *2016: ''

Befikre ''Befikre'' () is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film written, directed, and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. It stars Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor as two commitment-phobic individuals who enter into a casual ...

'' *2017: ''

Jab Harry Met Sejal ''Jab Harry Met Sejal'' (), abbreviated as ''JHMS'', is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Imtiaz Ali. It stars Anushka Sharma and Shah Rukh Khan in their third collaboration after '' Rab Ne Bana Di Jo ...

'' *2017: '' OK Jaanu'' *2017: ''

Tiger Zinda Hai ''Tiger Zinda Hai'' () is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar based on a story by Zafar and Neelesh Misra. Produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, it serves as a sequel to '' Ek ...

'' *2018: ''

Hichki ''Hichki'' (; ) is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language comedy drama film co-written and directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra and Maneesh Sharma under the former's banner of Yash Raj Films. Based on American motivational spea ...

'' *2018: ''

Loveratri ''Loveyatri: A Journey of Love'' () is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film produced by Salman Khan under Salman Khan Films and directed by debutante Abhiraj K. Minawala. It is inspired by the 2006 Telugu film ''Devadasu''. It s ...

'' *2018: '' Naa Peru Surya, Naa Illu India'' (Telugu Film) *2018: ''

Bharat Bharat, or Bharath, may refer to: * Bharat (term), the name for India in various Indian languages ** India, a country ** Bharata Khanda, the Sanskrit name for the Indian subcontinent ** Bharatavarsha, another Sanskrit name for the Indian subcon ...

'' *2019: ''

Saaho ''Saaho'' () is a 2019 Indian action thriller film directed by Sujeeth and produced by UV Creations and T-Series. It was filmed simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi, stars Prabhas in the titular role, alongside Shraddha Kapoor, Chunky Pande ...

'' *2019: '' Dabangg 3'' *2022: ''

Radhe Shyam ''Radhe Shyam'' is a 2022 Indian period romantic fantasy Drama film written and directed by Radha Krishna Kumar. Produced by UV Creations and T-Series, the film was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi languages and stars Prabhas and ...

'' *2023: '' Pathaan'' (Besharam Rang) *2023: ''

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani ''Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'' (transl. ''Rocky and Rani's Love Story'') is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Karan Johar and written by Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, and Sumit Roy. Produced by Dharma Produ ...

'' (Tum Kya Mile, Kudmayi & Dhindhora Baje Re) *2023: '' Jawan'' ( Not Ramaiya Vastavaiya) *2023: ''

Tiger 3 ''Tiger 3'' is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Maneesh Sharma and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. Based on a script written by Shridhar Raghavan and Anckur Chaudhry from an original story by Chopr ...

Acting Credits

* 2000: ''

'' (

Film) * 2012: '' Student of the Year'' (special appearance in the song ''Disco Deewane'')

Awards

*2000:

- ''Dholi Taaro Dhol Baaje'' from (''

'') *2006: IIFA Award for Best Choreography - '' Kajra Re'' from (''

'') *2006:

Zee Cine Award for Best Choreography The Zee Cine Award (ZCA) is an annual Indian awards ceremony for the Hindi film industry. They were instituted in November 1997 to award "Excellence in cinema – the democratic way". They were first held in Mumbai until 2004, when the ZCA we ...

- ''Kajra Re'' from (''

'') *2006: Bollywood Movie Award for Best Choreography - ''Kajra Re'' from (''

'') *2006: Producers Guild Film Award for Best Choreography - ''Kajra Re'' from (''

'') *2008: IIFA Award for Best Choreography - ''Aaja Nachle'' from (''

'')

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Merchant, Vaibhavi Indian film choreographers Living people Actresses in Malayalam cinema Indian film actresses Indian female dancers Indian women choreographers Indian choreographers 21st-century Indian actresses Actresses from Mumbai Women artists from Maharashtra Dancers from Maharashtra 21st-century Indian dancers 21st-century Indian women artists Year of birth missing (living people) Best Choreography National Film Award winners