Mumbai. Nineteen‑year‑old Ritesh Pal’s victory on India’s Best Dancer Season 5 is a testament to tenacity. He clinched the crown on the exact stage that had turned him away in three earlier attempts.
Ritesh knocked on the doors of Seasons 2, 3 and 4, only to be met with disappointment each time. When the rejections piled up, his relatives urged him to abandon dance and help out at his brother’s salon. Instead of surrendering, Ritesh turned the setbacks into a roadmap for improvement.
Six Days of Rehearsal, One Day at the Salon
During the early years, family support was thin. After consecutive audition failures, his kin grew uneasy and suggested he take a steady job at the family salon. Ritesh didn’t dismiss the advice entirely; he kept his training schedule intact, practising six days a week, and spent Sundays behind the salon counter to earn his living expenses. The extra work never dulled his passion for dance.
A Mentor’s Unwavering Faith
Manish, Ritesh’s mentor, became the anchor that steadied him when confidence wavered. Even as doubts crept in, Manish reminded him that every rejection was merely a rehearsal for a bigger stage. He taught Ritesh to treat each “no” as a lesson, not a verdict, keeping the young dancer’s spirit alive.
Turning Setbacks into Lessons
The three lost seasons were not endings for Ritesh; they were diagnostic tools. Each audition exposed a flaw—be it technique, expression, or stamina—allowing him to refine his craft. He realized that success demanded preparation he hadn’t yet mastered, and those hard‑earned insights later propelled him forward.
A Surprise Call for Season 5
Ritesh originally planned to sit out another year and return for Season 6. Then a sudden invitation arrived for Season 5. He seized the chance, aced the first‑round audition, and rode a wave of growing confidence through the competition, never imagining that the final episode would end with his name on the trophy.
Learning From Choreographer Pratik Utekar
One of the season’s highlights was working with renowned choreographer Pratik Utekar. Pratik shifted Ritesh’s focus from pure footwork to storytelling through movement, emphasizing character and emotion. This nuanced approach reshaped Ritesh’s artistic vision, blending technique with heartfelt expression.
A Home for Mom Above All
Instead of splurging on luxury, Ritesh’s first priority after the win is to construct a house for his mother, which he plans to name ‘Hari Darshan’. For him, providing a safe haven for his mom feels like honoring his own roots and gratitude.
Eyes on the World Stage and the Silver Screen
With the trophy secured, Ritesh’s ambitions have expanded. He dreams of performing on international platforms, letting audiences worldwide witness his art. Parallel to dancing, he aspires to break into acting, hoping to translate his stage energy onto the big screen.
