And, the winner of the 1st India’s Raw Star is Rituraj Mohanty.” This stunned the 26-year-old budding Odia singer for a minute at the grand finale of the Star Plus’s singing reality show on Sunday.
Known for his soulful Sufi performance, Rituraj, a native of Nimapada in Puri district, has brought laurels for the State and receiving wide appreciations from all corners for emerging winner at the national platform. An alumnus of the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar, Rituraj speaks to Ashadeep Mohanty of The Pioneer about his early struggling period, life post India’s Raw Star, next ambitions and many more…
How do you feel to have won the first India’s Raw Star titleIJ Have you expected itIJ
When I participated, I had not thought of wining the show. The reason behind participating in the show was to connect me to the people directly and get recognitions. Fortunately, blessings of my parents, lord Jagannath, my Gurus and love of people in Odisha helped to win the show, which was a dream for me.
How has your life changed after the reality showIJ
Now when I have gained much recognition for my voice through the show, many offers are coming on my way. Though I had already worked in many projects, including in Amir Khan’s show Satyameva Jayate and in movie Bhootnath returns, no one did even know me. Even people in my State did not know that a Puri boy has worked in the Bollywood music industry.
But now people do recognize me, sending me best wishes and approaching to work for them. Recently, Ollywood star Mihir Dash and singer Abhijit Majumdar called me and approached me to work for them in their projects. Besides, my mentor Himesh Reshamiya and Salim Sulaiman have some offers for me. And, I have already lent my voice for Shah Rukh Khan and Ritesh Deshmukh upcoming projects.
When you had already worked in such big projects, what pushed you to the reality showIJ
As I told you, I wanted to get recognised by people. So I decided to join the show after meeting producer Gajendra Singh, who also encouraged me a lot to participate in his show.
How was your startupIJ Why you chose to go to Mumbai to make your careerIJ
I completed my graduation at the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya. I also did some stage shows. But when I approached to many music directors in Odia industry for work, no one evinced any interest to try me. Then I decided to move Mumbai to pursue my career in 2011. Initially, I faced a lot of hardships as I had no money and place to stay. I went many places in search of work. Things started changing when I met musician Ram Sampath, who asked me to send my voice recording to him. My stint in Satyamev Jayate with a song titled Aam ke Aam Honge gave a boost to my career. So far, I have sung nearly 280 songs.
Next big thing you are eyeingIJ
There are many. Among them, IIFA and Filmfare awards are my next dreams. I will be the happiest person when I will get those trophies.
Who are your idols in music industryIJ
AR Rahman is my idol. I literally have a dream to work with him. Besides, lata Ji, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan are my favorite icons.