Banu Mushtaq’s 'Heart Lamp' Makes It To International Booker Prize: Becomes First Kannada Book To Get Shortlisted

In a groundbreaking moment for Kannada literature, 'Heart Lamp', a collection of short stories by celebrated author Banu Mushtaq and translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, has earned a spot on the 2025 International Booker Prize shortlist. The announcement came on April 8, 2025, marking the first time a work originally written in Kannada has been recognised among the six finalists for this prestigious global award.

Stories spanning decades and cultures

Heart Lamp brings together 12 thought-provoking short stories penned by Mushtaq over three decades, from 1990 to 2023. The collection offers a vivid portrayal of diverse lives and struggles, many rooted in the socio-political fabric of southern India. Translator Deepa Bhasthi, no stranger to Mushtaq’s work, had earlier brought her writing to international audiences through Haseena and Other Stories, which won the English PEN Translation Award in 2024.

Celebrating resilience and humanity

According to the prize’s official announcement, this year’s shortlisted works reflect “the indomitable instinct to keep going” through times of crisis and oppression. Whether set in dystopian futures or patriarchal societies, these narratives share a common thread of resilience, survival, and the enduring human spirit.

“This is a shortlist that celebrates the human spirit, our capacity to endure and our impulse to live a better life,” the judges noted.

A journey rooted in language and love

Following the shortlist announcement, Mushtaq shared her emotional response, reminiscing about the deep personal roots of her literary journey. She credited her late father, S.A. Rehaman, for enrolling her in a Kannada-medium school despite societal pressures. That pivotal decision, she said, shaped her worldview and cemented her connection to the Kannada language.

“Konkani is my mother tongue, but Kannada became my voice,” Mushtaq said. “It is not just a language- it is a way of thinking, of perceiving the world.”

She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Mushtaq Mohiyuddin, for his unwavering support during challenging times in her writing career.

With 'Heart Lamp' now standing alongside major international titles, Banu Mushtaq is set to attend the Booker Prize ceremony at the Tate Modern in London on May 20. The winning title will be awarded £50,000 (56 Lakhs in INR) to be split equally between the author and translator. Each shortlisted pair also receives £5,000.

2025 International Booker Prize shortlist

Here are the six books vying for this year’s award:

On the Calculation of Volume (Book I) by Solvej Balle (Danish), translated by Barbara J Haveland

Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix (French), translated by Helen Stevenson

Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami (Japanese), translated by Asa Yoneda

Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico (Italian), translated by Sophie Hughes

Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq (Kannada), translated by Deepa Bhasthi

A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre (French), translated by Mark Hutchinson

Heart Lamp’s recognition signals a powerful moment for regional Indian languages on the world stage. It’s a testament to the richness of Kannada literature and the vital role translators play in bridging linguistic worlds.

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