Rituraj Mohanty wins ‘India’s Raw Star’

Odisha’s Rituraj Mohanty was named India’s Raw Star in Mumbai on November 30 after receiving votes from audiences across India.

Known for his soulful voice, Mohanty’s consistent performance throughout the singing reality show led him to victory. Winning a Maruti Suzuki Swift, a contract with Star Plus and Rs1 million as cash prize, he defeated Darshan Raval from Ahmedabad and Mohit Gaur from Jaipur.

“It is very difficult for the feeling to sink in that I have won this show. I would like to thank Yo Yo Honey Singh and Star Plus for getting me on the show and for giving me such a huge platform to perform on. Himesh Reshammiya has been such a great mentor and a huge support. I would like to extend my thank you to all fans as they are responsible for my win. I dedicate this win to all my fans,” Mohanty said in a statement.

Reshammiya, who took over as the mentor from Singh, performed his song Ice Cream Khaungi from the film The Xpose.

The composer, who had promised a song to Mohanty, said: “He has a brilliant voice and a great talent. The show was not just about singing but also about outstanding performances and this is the reason why the audience have gone all out to vote for him.”

Singer Kailash Kher and Mohanty put on a Sufi performance while Shaan teamed up with Gaur. Raval and Mohit Chauhan performed several romantic songs.

Artists who were voted out earlier such as Dipti Sharma and Rimi Nique also came back on the show for one last performance. Giving them company was rapper Badshah.

The finale was hosted by actress, model Gauahar Khan. Tevar actor Arjun Kapoor and music director duo Sajid-Wajid also dropped in.

All the artistes and celebrity singers came together to sing a special song on Swachh Bharat (Clean India) that was written and composed by the talented duo Sachin and Jigar.