Raipur native Ritesh Pal has won India’s Best Dancer Season 5, lifting the coveted trophy alongside his choreographer Pratik Utekar. The duo secured the title after months of intense competition on Sony Entertainment Television’s popular dance reality show.
The grand finale took place on September 27, 2026. It featured some of the season’s strongest dancers. However, Ritesh and Pratik stood out with their consistency, versatility and fearless performances.
Their journey was filled with challenging acts and memorable dance moments. Moreover, it pushed Ritesh to explore new styles and grow as a performer.
From Raipur to the Top
Ritesh made an impact from the beginning of India’s Best Dancer Season 5. His performances were powerful and carefully crafted. As a result, he quickly caught the attention of the judges and viewers.
Rather than sticking to one dance style, Ritesh kept experimenting. He explored different forms and constantly pushed himself beyond his comfort zone.
His consistency became even more evident as the competition progressed. In fact, Ritesh won the coveted Battle trophy three times during the season.
Working closely with Pratik Utekar, he created performances that combined technical precision with emotion. At the same time, their acts focused on storytelling and stage presence.
India Wala Dance Pushes Ritesh Further
The season’s “India Wala Dance” theme became an important part of Ritesh’s journey. The concept encouraged contestants to explore India’s diverse dance traditions.
For Ritesh and Pratik, the challenge was especially significant. Both come from a contemporary dance background. Therefore, exploring unfamiliar dance forms required them to step outside their usual approach.
However, the duo embraced the challenge. They experimented with new movements and traditional styles while adding their own contemporary touch.
As a result, Ritesh’s versatility became increasingly visible. With every performance, he appeared more confident and evolved.
A Strong Lineup at the Grand Finale
The finale featured a talented group of finalists. Ritesh competed against Dipali Borkar, Prathamesh Mane, Anshika Dhara and Geetanjali Marwaha.
Each finalist brought a unique style to the stage. Consequently, the Grand Finale became a celebration of dance, creativity and individual expression.
Ritesh and Pratik, meanwhile, continued to showcase their range. Their performances reflected the growth they had achieved throughout the season.
Finally, their efforts culminated in the biggest moment of the competition. Ritesh Pal was announced as the winner of India’s Best Dancer Season 5.
Star Power Adds Glamour to the Finale
The Grand Finale was also a star-studded celebration. Judges Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis were present for the special occasion.
Throughout the season, the panel guided and mentored the contestants. Their feedback also played an important role in helping the dancers develop their performances.
Adding further glamour to the finale were Jackie Shroff, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sidharth Malhotra. Their presence made the final episode even more memorable.
Ritesh Calls the Victory a Dream Come True
After winning the title, Ritesh spoke about his emotional journey. For him, the trophy represents years of passion, dedication and hard work.
“Dance has always been my passion, and winning India’s Best Dancer Season 5 is a dream come true,” he said.
Ritesh also credited the India Wala Dance theme for helping him grow. According to the dancer, the season pushed him beyond his limits and encouraged him to discover new aspects of his craft.
He expressed gratitude to Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis for their guidance. He also highlighted Geeta Kapur’s special place in his journey.
Most importantly, Ritesh thanked Pratik Utekar for believing in him. He credited his choreographer for helping shape his journey throughout the competition.
Pratik Utekar Celebrates His Student
For Pratik Utekar, the victory was equally emotional. The choreographer had worked closely with Ritesh throughout the season and witnessed his growth firsthand.
Pratik praised Ritesh for trusting his vision. He also appreciated his willingness to accept guidance and take on every challenge.
Since both came from a contemporary dance background, the India Wala Dance theme pushed them into unfamiliar territory. Nevertheless, they explored new forms together.
According to Pratik, overcoming those challenges made the victory even more meaningful. Lifting the trophy with his student therefore became a special moment for the choreographer.
A Journey Defined by Growth
Ritesh’s journey on India’s Best Dancer Season 5 was marked by consistency and adaptability. His three Battle trophy victories highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
At the same time, his willingness to experiment kept his performances fresh. He continued to explore different styles instead of relying on a familiar formula.
As the competition became tougher, Ritesh and Pratik continued to deliver performances with technical skill and emotional depth. Gradually, their partnership became one of the defining aspects of Ritesh’s journey.
Ritesh Pal Begins a New Chapter
With the Season 5 finale now concluded, Ritesh Pal has added his name to the list of India’s Best Dancer winners. His victory also marks an important milestone in his dance career.
From his early performances to his three Battle trophy wins, Ritesh continued to evolve. Moreover, his partnership with Pratik Utekar helped him embrace challenges and explore new creative possibilities.
Now, with the coveted trophy in his hands, Ritesh’s journey enters a new chapter. His India’s Best Dancer Season 5 victory is not just the culmination of a competition. It is also the beginning of what could be an exciting phase in his career.
What did you think of Ritesh Pal’s winning journey? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more entertainment and television updates.
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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