Rosihan Anwar was born in Kubang Nan Dua, West Sumatra.

He continued his studies at Algemene Middelbare School (AMS) in Yogyakarta and often participated in journalism workshops at Columbia University, New York.

His career began as reporter in Asia Raja newspaper during the Japanese invasion of Indonesia.

Rosihan also acted in several movies such as Lagi-lagi Krisis (Crisis Again), Karmila, and Tjoet Nja' Dien.

Rosihan Anwar died in Jakarta on 14 April 2011, of heart failure due to old age.