Jeelani Bano began writing short stories in 1955 and has published numerous works, including novels, story collections and novellas. She strongly associates herself with developmental and anti-communalism movements. Her stories have been translated into several Indian languages, besides Russian, German, Norwegian and English. She has been conferred with the International Award 1998 by Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu and the Padma Shri in 2001 by the Government of India.