Biography

Raju Kariya was a prominent Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the Bollywood film industry, renowned for his extensive career spanning over five decades. Originating from Arni, a town in Yavatmal District of Vidarbha, Maharashtra, he moved to Mumbai in the 1970s to pursue his dreams in the film industry. Despite initial challenges, including working as an auto-rickshaw driver, Kariya's dedication and focus propelled him to become a leading figure in film publicity.

Throughout his illustrious career, Kariya worked with three generations of the Kapoor family-Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, and Karisma Kapoor. He also collaborated with legendary actors such as Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and more recent stars like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Govinda. His contributions extended to actresses including Nutan, Mala Sinha, Tanuja, Asha Parekh, and Rina Roy. Notably, on December 31, 1988, he achieved the remarkable feat of launching 15 films in a single day .

In recognition of his exceptional work, Kariya received several accolades. In 2000, he was felicitated by the then-President of India, K.R. Narayanan, for his role in the film Saibaba. He was also honored with the "Best Bollywood P.R.O. of the Millennium" award by the World Book of Records. Additionally, his name was included in the Indian Icon List, marking a historic first for a PRO in India .

Beyond his professional achievements, Kariya was deeply committed to the film industry community. He actively participated in initiatives to support industry professionals, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, he organized the Vidarbha International Film Festival, showcasing 15 Marathi films and 5 regional films, along with web series and TV serials, a pioneering effort in the history of Indian film festivals .

Raju Kariya passed away on November 3, 2020, due to a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, Nanda, and daughters Sonal and Dharika. His daughter Sonal confirmed the news, stating that he had suffered a heart attack that morning .

Kariya's legacy as a stalwart in Bollywood's publicity domain remains unparalleled, and his contributions continue to inspire professionals in the industry.
- IMDb mini biography by: Ashvin Borad

Former father in law of actor Inder Kumar. He was married to his daughter Sonal Kariya. They have a daughter.

Mother name is Revaben Karia.

Has 5 brothers and 1 sister .