Ragesh was born in the Asthana family on May 17 1962 in Uganda. During November 1972, following Idi Amin's decision to ask all non-native Ugandans to leave this country, the Asthanas re-located to India. Ragesh was then enrolled in the Jamnabai Narsee High School. After obtaining his Secondary School Certificate, he was then enrolled in Mithibai College, Vile Parle West. He always had an interest in drama and theater, he loved acting, especially in the 'local talent day' at the Bhagwan Shri Ganesh Mahautsav in the T.P.S. VI (Town Planning Scheme). Ragesh then appeared as Appu Swami in the television series 'Subah' during the '80s, before finally settling down as a character actor in Bollywood movies. He got married to Jyoti during 1994, has two children (Nanaki and Yuvraj). Nanaki is now taking the legacy forward by entering the world of cinema. She is currently working as an assistant director with Directors like Anurag Kashyap and has also been acting in films. Ragesh passed away on 20th of March, 2014 due to a cardiac failure.