Rishi was born in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, and brought up in Mysore, Karnataka. His father Sri K C Nagaraj was a bank official working in Kaveri Grameena Bank and his mother Anala Nagaraj is a home maker. Early name is Monish Nagaraj. He did his schooling from St Joseph's Primary School, Mysore and Pre - University course from Marimallappa 's College, Mysore. He went on to attend Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering. During his engineering days, Rishi developed a keen interest in acting and started performing with various amateur theatre groups in Mysore. He was in charge of the dramatics team at his college and also worked as a Radio Jockey outside.

• நான் சிகப்பு மனிதன் (2014)

  
• Kavaludaari (2019)

  
• ஆனந்த தாண்டவம் (2009)

  
• Hero No. 1 (2005)

  
• Mirattal (2012)