Mumbai. The 19‑year‑old dancer Ritesh Pal has just lifted the India’s Best Dancer Season 5 trophy, completing a comeback that began with three consecutive rejections on the very same platform.

Audition After Audition: The Early Setbacks

Ritesh knocked on the doors of Seasons 2, 3 and 4, only to be turned away each time. The repeated disappointments left his family uneasy, and they suggested he abandon dance and help run his brother’s salon instead.

Juggling the Salon and Six‑Day Dance Routines

Rather than abandoning his passion, Ritesh struck a balance: he trained six days a week and spent Sundays at the salon, earning enough for his daily needs while still honing his craft. This dual routine kept his dream alive without completely ignoring his family’s concerns.

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 rejection is merely a rehearsal for success and urged him to keep polishing his technique and attitude.

Turning Rejection into a Lesson Plan

Each failed season taught Ritesh a new lesson. He dissected his performances, identified weak spots, and turned those insights into focused practice sessions, gradually building the skill set that would later win him the crown.

The Unexpected Call for Season 5

Ritesh had originally planned to wait for Season 6, but a surprise invitation to audition for Season 5 arrived. He seized the chance, cleared the first round instantly, and as the competition progressed, his confidence surged, culminating in a victorious finale.

Learning from Choreographer Pratik Utekar

During the show, Ritesh finally worked with choreographer Pratik Utekar, who shifted his focus from pure footwork to storytelling through movement. The experience taught him that emotion and character are as vital as technique.

A Home for ‘Hari Darshan’

With the prize money in hand, Ritesh’s first priority isn’t luxury—it’s building a house for his mother, which he intends to name “Hari Darshan.” He says creating a safe haven for her feels like honoring his own roots.

Eyes on the World Stage and the Silver Screen

Having conquered the national stage, Ritesh now aims for international platforms and hopes to transition into acting. While dance remains his main focus today, he envisions a future where he dazzles audiences both on stage and in films.