India's Raw Star Rituraj reaches Odisha, gets warm welcome

Bhubaneswar: Back in Odisha after winning the reality show India's Raw Star, singing sensation Rituraj Mohanty was accorded a grand welcome here on Subnday.

Rituraj, who had left the state three years ago to carve out a niche in the world of music in Mumbai, drew a large crowd of music lovers, well wishers and fans who thronged the Biju Patnaik Airport here to receive him.

His fans jostled with each other to shake hands with him and extend warm greetings as Rituraj stepped out of the airport.

A beaming Rituraj waved at his admirers and also sang a couple of lines from 'Teri Galiyaan...' on demand from the gathering and said "With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and my parents, I could achieve this title."

Stating that love of the people of Odisha also played a significant role in taking him to the pinnacle, Rituraj said he would like to get love and affection from the people in future.

"I am very happy. I want people of Odisha to know me and love me," he said.

Soon after his arrival here, Rituraj went to Naveen Niwas, the residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Greeting the him, Patnaik said "I congratulate Rituraj and wish him all the very best."

The singing sensation also went to his native village in Nimapada area in Puri district where villagers gave him a grand welcome.