Ritesh Pal has emerged as the winner of the fifth season of the popular dance reality show India’s Best Dancer, with choreographer Pratik Utekar. Along with the coveted trophy, Ritesh won a cash prize of INR 15 lakh.
Throughout the season, Ritesh impressed the judges and viewers with his energetic performances and carefully crafted routines. He also won the prestigious Battle trophy three times, further establishing his position as one of the standout performers of the season.
Ritesh Pal Reflects on His Winning Journey
Ritesh’s journey on the show involved experimenting with various dance styles and moving beyond his comfort zone. His performances highlighted his versatility and growth as a dancer.
Speaking about his victory, Ritesh said, “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. 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.”
Pratik Utekar Celebrates the Victory
Ritesh and Pratik faced fellow finalists Dipali Borkar, Prathamesh Mane, Anshika Dhara and Geetanjali Marwaha in the grand finale.
Reflecting on their win, Pratik Utekar described the moment as both proud and emotional. He praised Ritesh’s growth throughout the competition and said the dancer had consistently trusted his creative vision and guidance.
Pratik also highlighted how their contemporary dance background encouraged them to explore styles beyond their usual strengths. According to him, the challenges presented by India Wala Dance helped the duo experiment with new forms and overcome obstacles together.
Star-Studded Grand Finale
The season concluded with a star-studded grand finale featuring the show’s judges Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis.
Actor Jackie Shroff was also present, while Tamannaah Bhatia and Sidharth Malhotra joined the celebrations as special guests. The finale brought the fifth season of India’s Best Dancer to an end with Ritesh Pal and Pratik Utekar lifting the winner’s trophy.