 Born in Mumbai, Rajadhyaksha was educated at St. Xavier's High School, Fort, and obtained his degree in chemistry at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, where he later also taught for two years.He is a cousin of noted novelist Shobha De.Having completed a diploma in advertising and public relations, Rajadhyaksha joined the photo services department of the advertising agency Lintas India Ltd (now Lowe Lintas), in 1974.