Raza Murad started his career in the mid-1960s and he initially played sympathetic brothers and brotherly figures in the 1970s. From the 1980s on, he has mainly played either supporting roles of a father, uncle or villainous roles. He studied in Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, from 1969 to 1971 and received a diploma in film acting. He has a memorable baritone voice. One of his most memorable performances as a character actor has been the role of a despondent poet in the 1973 hit film "Namak Haraam" alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna.
In 1993 he appeared in Ek Hi Raasta alongside Ajay Devgan as a terrorist who attempts to rule India. Recently he played a supporting role in Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar.
He has also acted in several Telugu films including Indra (2002).
He starred in a number of Punjabi films such as Jatt Punjabi. He was awarded the lifetime achievement award for his contribution towards Punjabi Cinema at the PTC Punjabi film awards in February 2011. He has film fare record of 7 villain nominations, winning one. He is currently acting in Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon.
