Born 1971 in Kerala, Riyas obtained a MFA in 1999 from Sir J.J. School of Art Mumbai. His works were part of the National Gallery of Modern Art Show in 1999 and 2000. He has had a number of shows at Galleries such as The Guild Art Gallery (2001 & 2002), Fine Art Company, Mumbai (2002), ‘Harmony’, Mumbai (2002). He is a recipient of K.K. Hebbar Foundation Society Scholarship 1997 to 1999; Bombay Art Society Award 1996: Maharashtra State Art Prize 1995. He lives and works in Mumbai.