An Odissi exponent, Vani has been practicing dance for more than four decades, and despite all the challenges that she has faced, she continued her journey and made her mark in the field.

Vani Madhav is an Odissi dancer. She is the founder and director of Nritya Dhara.

Vani belongs to Ganjam, Odisha.

Recalling her childhood, Vani says that she was introduced to dance by her mother when she was five. She started learning Odissi at an academy from her guru. After some time, she started performing in shows. Along with dance, she continued her studies. She is a law graduate from Lingaraj Law College, Berhampur. She had also enrolled herself for the judicial services exam but eventually decided to pursue dance as her professional career. She says that she got married at the age of 23 and was supported in her decisions by her husband.

Sharing about her dance journey, Vani says that she did her graduation in dance from Akhil Bhartiya Ghandharava Mahavidhyalaya Mandal, Mumbai, and her post-graduation from Prachin Kala Kendra, Chandigarh. She has been granted a fellowship award from the Ministry of Culture. She is a member of the advisory committee of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification). She is an empanelled artist for cultural relations with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Festival of India Abroad and the Doordarshan Kendra. She is also the Cultural Head of the Women's Wing at CHM College. She also runs her own institution.

Vani believes that dance is more than just performing; it is also about researching it thoroughly in order to make it a career.

Talking about her challenges, Vani says that she had to shift frequently from one place to another because of her husband’s profession, so she had to start everything from scratch, which was a challenge for her.

Sharing about her achievements, Vani says that although she has performed in various parts of the country, she feels there is still so much to achieve.

When asked about her role models, Rina says that Padma Vibushan Sonal Man Singh is an inspiration for her. She looks up to all the Padma Bhushan awardees, and she also learns from every woman.

In her spare time, Vani likes to watch cricket matches. She also loves to talk to people.

When asked how she attains mental peace, Vani says that practicing dance is itself a meditation for her.

Vani's life motto is to be happy in everything she does.