The son of former actor and Rajya Sabha member Rao Gopal Rao, Rao Ramesh has appeared in close to hundred films in the course of his career, mainly in supporting roles. He started out with a minor supporting role in Seema Simham (2002), but after failing to secure a foothold in the film industry, shifted his focus to tv shows. In the years that followed, Ramesh became a familiar face in Telugu and Tamil television courtesy of shows like Sudigundali, Pavitra Bandham and Kalavari Kodalu.

The actor`s big break came in 2008, when he played a pivotal role in the acclaimed road movie Gamyam (2008). Almost a decade down the line, Ramesh is one among the most sought-after supporting actors in Tollywood, equally at ease playing comedic and character roles. He has also bagged several accolades along the way, including nominations at Filmfare and Zee Golden Awards.

Other notable acting credits include Kick (2009), Magadheera (2009), Gabbar Singh (2012), Julayi (2012), Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013), S/O Satyamurthy (2015), Nenu Local (2017), Agnyaathavaasi (2018), Saakshyam (2018), Chal Mohan Ranga (2018), Naa Peru Surya - Naa Illu India (2018), Ammammagarillu (2018), Devadas (2018), Yatra (2019), Prasnistha (2019), Jersey (2019), Oh Baby (2019), Dear Comrade (2019), Manmadhudu 2 (2019), Oorantha Anukuntunnaru (2019), Operation Gold Fish (2019) and Venky Mama (2019). His 2020 releases include Disco Raja, Solo Brathuke So Better and Oh! Baby.

Starting from 2021, he appeared as an Actor in A1 Express, Sreekaaram, Narappa, Maha Samudram, Pelli SandaD, and Jai Bhim. In 2022, he featured in Pakka Commercial, Yashoda, Bheemla Nayak, Bangarraju, and HIT: The 2nd Case. His 2023 work includes Das Ka Dhamki, Ravanasura, Bhola Shankar, and Extra Ordinary Man. In 2024, he starred in Guntur Kaaram, Vettaiyan, and Pushpa 2: The Rule. His 2025-2026 credits feature Thandel, Mazaka, The Girlfriend, Saraswathi, and Ustaad Bhagat Singh.