Ritesh Pal and Prateek Utekar win India's Best Dancer 5, take home Rs 15 lakh
Raipur's Ritesh Pal and his choreographer Prateek Utekar won the trophy and cash prize on the reality show that had rejected Pal six years ago.
The grand finale of Sony Entertainment Television's popular dance reality show "India's Best Dancer Season 5" was held recently. This season was based on the concept of "India Wala Dance", and contestants from across the country won over audiences with their performances. In the end, the pair of Raipur's Ritesh Pal and his choreographer Prateek Utekar claimed the trophy. Ritesh received the winner's trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh.
A long struggle lies behind Ritesh's win. About six years ago, Ritesh had tried auditioning for the same show, but was rejected at the time. However, Ritesh did not give up on dance after that setback. He kept working hard through his dance journey and eventually became the winner on the very same stage.
Through the season, Ritesh proved himself across different dance forms and showcased his ability. He also won the "battle trophy" three times this season.
The 19-year-old Ritesh Pal's story is full of struggle. In interviews to the media, he had spoken about his family's financial situation and the hard work he put into dance. There was a time when his family advised him to give up dance and work with his brother at a salon instead. But Ritesh did not give up dance. He practised and worked on dance six days a week, and worked with his brother at the salon on the seventh day. Despite these difficulties, he did not abandon his goal.
Today he has reaped the rewards of that hard work, and Ritesh has etched his name on the trophy of "India's Best Dancer Season 5".
In the grand finale, along with Ritesh and Prateek, Deepali Borkar, Prathamesh Mane, Anshika Dhara and Geetanjali Marwah also reached the final round. In the end, the pair of Ritesh and Prateek were crowned winners.
Karishma Kapoor, Geeta Kapoor, Terence Lewis and Javed Jaffrey served as judges at the grand finale of "India's Best Dancer 5", while Jackie Shroff, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sidharth Malhotra were present as special guests.
Ritesh's win has given a heartening turn to his six-year struggle. On the very stage that once rejected him, he has now lifted the winner's trophy. His journey has become an example for many.
