Hero’s welcome for Rituraj on his return to Odisha after three years

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 14:

Rituraj Mohanty, fresh from his victory in popular reality show ‘India’s Raw Star’, was given a hero’s welcome when he reached Odisha this morning three full years after he left the state to try his luck in Maximum City.

Fans and well wishers had gathered in large numbers at the Biju Patnaik airport here to greet the singing sensation long before he emerged from the exit door. When he finally did, the fans fell over one another to greet him and shake hands with him.

Clearly relishing all the attention, Rituraj sported a broad smile and obliged everyone, including the waiting TV crews. He even sang a few lines from “Teri Galiyaan..”, the song that tilted the scales in his favour in the Raw Star finals, on public and media demand.

“I am very happy. I have reached where I have with the blessings of Lord Jagannath, the blessings of my parents and the love of the people of my state,” said a beaming Rituraj.

From the airport, Rituraj went straight to Navee Nivas where Chief Minister greeted him with a bouquet.

“I congratulate Rituraj Mohanty and wish all the very best for him in the future,” said Patnaik.

The scene was even more ecstatic when he reached Mangalpur, his native village in Nimapada. The entire village came out to greet the son of the soil who made this nondescript village famous with his victory in the reality show.

Rituraj’s mother could scarcely conceal her glee as her son drove triumphantly in an open vehicle. “The entire village, in fact the entire state, is proud of Rituraj. And as his mother, I am proud too,” she said.