Riju Prakash, a talented individual, was born on December 8th in Delhi to Shri Ram Gopal Bajaj and Lateshrimati Chandrakala Khemchand Prakash. Growing up, Riju had a passion for acting, which led him to pursue a career in the field. He began his journey at the tender age of 11, performing in a stage play called 'Kya Yeh Sach Bol Raha Hai' in 1980, designed by NSD undergraduates.
Riju's early start in the industry soon led him to take up TV serials, where he gained popularity with his role in 'Lekhu', a story about an aspiring scientist from a poor family who overcomes adversity. His breakthrough role came with 'Tamas', directed by Govind Nihalani, for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the National Awards in 1988. This recognition helped him gain the confidence of other filmmakers, including Amol Palekar, who cast him in his film 'Thoda Sa Roomani Ho Jayen', and Shyam Benegal, who took him in his films 'Antarnaad' and 'Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda', solidifying his position as a talented actor.
Riju's subsequent TV show, 'Humraahi', where he played a bratish biographical character who also leaves his home to pursue an acting career, further cemented his popularity. During the shooting of India's first reality serial, 'The Mating Game Show', directed by Govind Nihalani for BITV, Riju realized his true calling as a director and shared his thoughts with Govind Nihalani, who offered to take him as his assistant in his next film, 'Sanshodhan'. Riju also assisted him in 'Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa'.
As he continued to learn the ropes of the trade with Gyan Sahay, Virender Saini, and Deepa Mehta, Riju branched out as an independent director with popular TV series 'India's Most Wanted'. His next TV series for ETV Urdu, 'Phir Bhi', became a channel flagship and established him as a promising director.
In 2005, Riju co-wrote and was associate director for the feature film 'Yun Hota To Kya Hota', directed by Naseeruddin Shah. He then joined B.A.G Films as creative head for TV series in 2005. In 2007, Riju joined the core team of Fox TV Studios India Pvt. Ltd as creative director and development manager.
Riju continued to excel in his career, joining Hema Malini Media & Entertainment as Creative Head for TV series 'Maati Ki Banno' in 2011 and Swastik Productions as Creative Director for TV series 'Mahabharat' in 2012. In 2017, he established his second international film festival, LIFFT India Filmotsav-World Cine Fest, in Lonavla.
Currently, Riju is actively working on both sides of the camera, as an actor and director, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian film and television industry.
