Mumbai. Nineteen‑year‑old Ritesh Pal’s victory on India’s Best Dancer Season 5 is a textbook case of grit meeting opportunity. After being turned away in three previous seasons, he finally lifted the trophy on the very stage that once rejected him.
His early auditions for Seasons 2, 3 and 4 ended in disappointment. With each “no” the pressure mounted, and his relatives suggested he abandon dance to help out at his brother’s salon. Yet Ritesh kept his shoes on, dissecting his flaws and turning every setback into a practice session.
Six days of rehearsal, Sundays at the salon
Support at home was thin during those formative years. When the audition doors kept closing, his family grew uneasy about his future and urged him to earn a steady income at the family salon. Ritesh accepted the compromise: he trained six days a week, then swapped his dance shoes for a apron on Sundays, earning enough to cover his own expenses while still chasing his passion.
Mentor Manish: the anchor in turbulent waters
Manish, his mentor, became the steady hand that steadied Ritesh’s wavering confidence. When doubts crept in, Manish reminded him that every rejection was merely a rehearsal for success. He taught Ritesh to view each “no” as a lesson, not a verdict, keeping the young dancer’s spirit intact.
Three rejections, three lessons
Rather than seeing the three lost seasons as dead‑ends, Ritesh catalogued each mistake, turning them into stepping stones. He realized that he wasn’t yet ready for the spotlight, and every audition sharpened his technique and mindset.
When Season 5 knocked on his door
Ritesh had planned to sit out another year and aim for Season 6, but a surprise call invited him to audition for Season 5. He seized the chance, cleared the first round instantly, and rode a wave of growing confidence that eventually carried him to the final victory.
Learning from choreographer Pratik Utekar
A lifelong wish was to collaborate with Pratik Utekar, and the show granted that dream. Utekar shifted Ritesh’s focus from pure footwork to the emotions and story behind each movement, showing him that dance is as much about feeling as it is about technique.
A house for his mother
With the prize money in hand, Ritesh’s first priority isn’t a flashy car but a home for his mother, which he intends to name “Hari Darshan.” He says giving his mother a roof is the truest way to celebrate his own success.
Eyes on the world stage and the silver screen
The win has only widened Ritesh’s horizon. He now aspires to perform on international platforms and hopes global audiences will feel his rhythm. Acting also beckons; while dance remains his mainstay, he plans to explore cinema once his footing in the dance world is secure.
