Raj Khosla is one of the most prominent directors in the Hindi film industry, and was best known for the innovation he brought to cinema. His "neo-noir" style became one of the trademark characteristics of his films. He is also well known for launching the careers of some of the most iconic names in the history of Hindi cinema, particularly women, whom he cast in challenging and powerful roles. These included Dev Anand, Mumtaz, and Asha Parekh.

Born on 31 May 1925, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Khosla's initial ambition was to make it big as a singer. Due to being trained extensively in classical music, he hoped to make a career in music and moved to Mumbai for it. He found work with the All India Radio, which eventually led him to the film industry. Under the mentorship of Guru Dutt, he started off as an assistant director in films like Baazi (1951), Jaal (1952), Baaz (1953) and Aar Paar (1954).

Raj Khosla made his directorial debut with Milap (1955) which starred Dev Anand and Geeta Bali. But it was the film after that which established him as an immensely talented director. C. I. D. (1956) starring Dev Anand and Shakila was a major success, and he became a respectable name amongst the film circles.

Khosla went on to make a number of critically and commercially successful films which included Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Do Badan (1966), Do Raaste (1969), Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978), and Dostana (1980). Of these, Do Raaste (1969) won him a Filmfare Award nomination and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978) won him a Filmfare Award for the Best Movie.

His films were also very well known for their fantastic scores, due to his trained ear for excellence in music.

Raj Khosla died on 9 June 1991. His last film was Naqab (1989). The Indian Government honoured him by releasing a postage stamp dedicated to him in 2013.His daughter Sunita Khosla Bhalla, along with Shatrugan Sinha, established The Raj Khosla Foundation which holds a number of events and ceremonies pertaining to the film industry.