Born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh in 1952, Yusuf obtained his Diploma in both Painting and in Sculpture from Gwalior in the 70`s.​

In his contemporary abstracts, Yusuf generally sticks to sparse and sometimes-geometric forms spread across the surface. Occasionally he uses mixed media, but most of the time, Yusuf prefers to work with ink on rice paper. He has held 25 one-man shows and has participated in important group shows including the VII Triennale, New Delhi in 1992 and the Bangladesh Biennale, Dhaka in 1995. Yusuf has also taken part in several shows in Korea and Japan. He was the winner of the Raza Award in 1984 and the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award, New Delhi in 1987. Yusuf was honoured with the National Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, New Delhi as well.

He is famous for his pioneering work in setting up the Graphic Workshop at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, where he is working now as Deputy Director of Graphics.

Yusuf has been made an honorary member of many national and international institutions, and has also delivered a series of lectures across Japan.