Ramesh Deo was born on 30 January 1929 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. He came from a family with roots in Rajasthan and began his career in Marathi cinema. His early screen appearance was a cameo in the Marathi film Paatlaachi Por (1951), followed by more substantial work in Marathi films, including Andhala Magto Ek Dola (1956).
He made his Hindi film debut with Aarti (1962) and went on to become a familiar character actor in Hindi cinema. Some of his best-known Hindi films include Anand, Aap Ki Kasam, Mere Apne, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Kasme Vaade, and Jolly LLB. In Anand (1971), he played Dr. Prakash Kulkarni, one of his most remembered Hindi-film roles.
Alongside acting, Ramesh Deo worked as a director and producer in films, television, and advertising. He directed films, documentaries, and television serials and produced numerous advertising films through Ramesh Deo Productions. He was also active in Marathi theatre.
Ramesh Deo was married to actress Seema Deo. Their sons, Ajinkya Deo and Abhinay Deo, also became associated with the entertainment industry. Abhinay Deo became a film director, while Ajinkya Deo followed a career as an actor.
Ramesh Deo died on 2 February 2022 in Mumbai at the age of 93. His son Abhinay Deo confirmed that he died following a heart attack at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.