He is an actor known for his style of acting. There are various movies are under his name. Despite his acting capability, he didn't earn the super-star image in Indian cinema. He started opposite one of the well known actress of that time; Reena Roy in Hindi film Sau Dina Saas Ke (100-days of mother-in-law). Later he nailed the stake in ground by a very well played horrific negative role in B.R. Chopra's Insaaf Ka Tarazu (Balance of justice), which starred highly acclaimed female stars: Zeenat Aman and Padmini Kohlapure. He became a consistent player on B.R. Chopra's films; Nikaah with Deepak Parashar and Salma Agha, Aaj Ki Aawaz with Smita Patil whom he married despite being married with two children. He worked with top banners and top stars of his era. He also achieved success in Punjabi cinema as he gave remarkable performances in Chan Pardesi (1980) and Long Da Lishkara (1986). He also starred in the hit Punjabi films Aasra Pyar Da (1983), Marhi Da Diva (1989), Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), Shaheed Uddham Singh (2000), Yaaran Naal Baharaan (2005), and Ek Jind Ek Jaan (2006). It has been said that Babbar often does Punjabi films for free, as an act of generosity to Punjabi cinema.
Although, he is a Sikh, he married Nadira Zaheer (daughter of Sajjad Zaheer and Razia Zaheer) and also late Smita Patil. Arya Babbar and Juhi Babbar are two children from Nadira Babbar. After the birth of son Prateek Babbar, Smita Patil died after few days. After her death Raj Babbar patched up with his first wife Nadira Babbar. Although Prateek Babbar lives with the parents of Smita Patil.
Juhi Babbar tried her hand at acting in 2003 in a film entitled "Kaash...Aap Hamare Hote" opposite singer-turned-actor Sonu Nigam. She has not acted in any films since. She is now married.
Prateek Babbar recently debuted in Aamir Khan's production and Abbas Tyrewala's direction Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na where he plays the role of Amit Mahant, the quirky brother of the main female character, Aditi . His role has been very well received by both the general public and critics.
He joined Samajwadi Party and became Member of Parliament of India three times from his native constituency of Agra. Due to open criticism of Amar Singh, Raj Babbar was suspended from the party. Raj Babbar emphasized socialism as propagated by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, the basis of formation of Samajwadi Party, however Amar Singh has connections with industrialists and various celebrities in Hindi cinema, which brings influence and money-power essential for survival in India's political system. Now he functions with former Prime Minister of India V. P. Singh who functions under an outfit named Jan Morcha.
