[1] Born in Dhamaura, in the West Champaran district of Bihar, Jha grew up in Delhi where he had moved at an early age.
He did his graduation in English from Ramjas College, Delhi University, where he also joined its theatre group aiming to become an actor.
[2] After completing his studies, Jha moved to Mumbai and began working as an assistant director in television serials hoping to get a break.
[3] Thereafter he made his feature debut with Matrubhoomi (2003) about effects of female infanticide, which won a series of awards and critical acclaim.
[6][7] His next award was Anwar (2007), a film set in Lucknow, about stereotyping of Muslims in the post 9/11 era.