Ritesh Pal has officially clinched the title of India's Best Dancer Season 5 following an explosive grand finale. Along with the prestigious trophy, the 19-year-old walked away with a grand cash prize of ₹15 lakh. Known for his dancing skills and versatility, Ritesh Pal had a strong run throughout the season. He also won the Battle Trophy three times.
Here's a look at his journey to India's Best Dancer Season 5 win:
| Details | Information |
| India's Best Dancer Season 5 Winner | Ritesh Pal |
| Age | 19 |
| Prize Money | ₹15 Lakh |
| Choreographer / Mentor | Pratik Utekar |
Who Is Ritesh Pal?
Ritesh Pal is a 19-year-old dancer from Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Before winning India's Best Dancer Season 5, he had already made a mark on the dance reality show circuit.
(Image: Instagram/@iamriteshpal_19)
Ritesh was the winner of Dance Plus Pro 2024. He was part of Shakti Mohan's team on the show.
He comes from a financially struggling family. He developed a passion for dance at a young age. However, financial difficulties forced him to look for work.
He started working at a salon. Even while working there, Ritesh continued to dance. His passion for the art remained strong despite his circumstances.
His life changed after he won Dance Plus Pro 2024. He went on to participate in India's Best Dancer Season 5 and eventually emerged as its winner.
Ritesh Pal Expresses Gratitude
Ritesh competed against Anshika Dhara, Geetanjali Marwaha, Prathamesh Mane and Dipali Borkar in the grand finale with his choreographer Pratik Utekar.
He won the Battle Trophy three times during his stint on the show. His performances also allowed him to showcase his versatility across different dance forms.
After his victory, Ritesh described the win as a dream come true. He also thanked the show's judges and his choreographer for supporting him throughout his journey.
"Dance has always been my passion, and winning India’s Best Dancer Season 5 is a dream come true. I feel truly fortunate to be a part of this journey with Sony Entertainment Television. India Wala Dance pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow as a performer."
He also expressed his gratitude towards Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaafri, Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis. Ritesh gave special credit to Pratik Utekar for believing in him.
"I am grateful to Karisma Ma’am, Jaaved Sir, Geeta Maa and Terence Sir for their guidance, with Geeta Maa holding a special place in my heart. A special thank you to my choreographer Pratik Utekar Sir for believing in me and transforming my journey. I have learnt so much from my fellow contestants. This trophy makes every challenge worthwhile."
Ritesh's choreographer Pratik Utekar also spoke about his win. He said he felt 'incredibly proud' of Ritesh's achievement and praised his growth throughout the competition.
"I am so happy to see his growth, and Ritesh has always trusted my vision and wholeheartedly accepted my guidance. Since we both come from a contemporary dance background, India Wala Dance challenged us to step out of our comfort zone and explore new dance forms. We overcame every challenge together, and lifting this trophy with him makes this victory truly special."
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India's Best Dancer Season 5 Grand Finale
The grand finale brought together the show's judges Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis. They had guided the contestants throughout their journey on the show.
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The finale also featured Jackie Shroff, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sidharth Malhotra as special guests. They joined the judges and finalists as the season came to an end.
FAQ
1. Who is Ritesh Pal?
Ritesh Pal is a 19-year-old dancer from Raipur. He worked in a salon before his dance career took off.
2. How much prize money did Ritesh Pal win?
Ritesh Pal took home the trophy and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh for winning India's Best Dancer Season 5.