Mumbai. Nineteen‑year‑old Ritesh Pal’s triumph on India’s Best Dancer Season 5 is a testament to sheer perseverance. After being turned down in three previous seasons, he finally lifted the trophy on the very stage that once rejected him.
Ritesh tried out for Seasons 2, 3 and 4, each time walking away empty‑handed. The repeated setbacks prompted his relatives to suggest a stable job at his brother’s salon rather than a risky dance career. Undeterred, Ritesh kept rehearsing, turning every disappointment into a lesson and sharpening his weak spots.
Six Days of Dance, One Day at the Salon
During the early years, Ritesh received little encouragement from home. When auditions kept slipping through his fingers, his family grew anxious and pushed him toward the family business. He didn’t ignore their counsel entirely; he kept training six days a week and spent Sundays behind the salon’s counter, earning enough for his own expenses while staying connected to his passion.
Mentor Manish: The Steady Anchor
Manish, his mentor, became the pillar that steadied Ritesh when confidence waned. Even as rejections piled up, Manish reminded him that every "no" was merely a stepping stone toward a bigger stage. He taught Ritesh to view setbacks as preparation, not defeat, fostering a mindset that kept the young dancer in the studio.
Three Setbacks, Three Lessons
Rather than seeing the three season‑long rejections as an endpoint, Ritesh treated each as a diagnostic tool. He dissected his performances, identified gaps, and worked relentlessly to close them. Those hard‑earned insights later became the foundation of his winning routine.
When Season 5 Knocked Unexpectedly
Ritesh originally planned to audition for the next season, assuming he needed more time. Yet a call arrived inviting him to try out for Season 5. He seized the chance, cleared the first round instantly, and as the competition progressed his self‑belief surged. He never imagined the finale would end with him clutching the trophy.
Learning from Choreographer Pratik Utekar
One of the season’s highlights was collaborating with choreographer Pratik Utekar. Pratik shifted Ritesh’s focus from pure footwork to the story and emotions behind each move. This deeper understanding of character transformed Ritesh’s artistry, proving that feeling is as vital as technique.
A Home for Mom, Not Luxury for Him
With the prize money in hand, Ritesh’s first priority isn’t a flashy lifestyle. He wants to construct a house for his mother, naming it “Hari Darshan.” He says giving his mother a place of her own feels like gifting himself a piece of his own heart.
Eyes on the World and the Silver Screen
Having conquered the national platform, Ritesh now sets his sights on international stages, hoping audiences worldwide will witness his dance. He also harbors ambitions in acting, viewing films as the next arena to showcase his talent once his dance career stabilises.
