Shahrukh Husain began writing while still at school. Her books include Urdu Literature, Demons Gods and Holy Men from Indian Myths and Legends and The Virago Book of Witches. Her books for children include Focus on India as well as several books on Islam. She is currently completing a series for children called Ancient Civilizations. Shahrukh has also written several screenplays, of which Merchant Ivory's In Custody, adapted in collaboration with Anita Desai, won the President of India's Gold Medal. Shahrukh lives in London.