Altaf was born in 1942 in Baroda, Gujarat.

From 1961 - 1966, Altaf lived in London and attended various colleges in England.

Altaf had several solo shows in Mumbai and Delhi:
In 1968 he had a solo show at Taj Art Gallery, Mumbai. In 1971 he exhibited solo at Pavement Gallery, Mumbai. In 1982, 1985, 1991, 1994 and 1996 he showcased solo at The Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. In 1998 he had a Retrospective at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. In 1996 he exhibited solo in New Delhi. In 2002 he had a solo exhibition, Mumbai.

He participated in group shows in India and overseas:
In 1970 he participated in a group show at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. In 1976 and 1979 he had joint shows at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. In 1984 he participated in a group show in Ahmedabad, Dhanbad and Bhopal. In 1985 he had a joint show at Kunst Galerie E Dedeke, Germany. In 1986 he participated in a group exhibition of prints, Polland and Bristol. In 1996 he participated in the VIth painting Biennale at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. In 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995 and 1999 he participated in group shows in Mumbai and New Delhi. In 1997 he showcased as part of the Glenbarra Art Museum Collection at The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi. In 1998 Altaf took part in Artists from India and Pakistan at Matini Gallery in Hong Kong.

Altaf passed away in 2005.