Renowned Kannada author Banu Mushtaq has etched her name in literary history by becoming the first Kannada writer to win the prestigious International Booker Prize in 2025. Her powerful short story collection, Heart Lamp, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, captivated the international jury with its poignant exploration of the emotional lives of Muslim women in southern India.
The International Booker Prize, one of the world’s most esteemed literary honors, celebrates works of fiction translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland. The £50,000 prize is shared equally between the author and the translator, recognizing the vital role of translation in global storytelling. Mushtaq and Bhasthi join the ranks of literary greats, their achievement marking a milestone not only for Kannada literature but also for the broader South Asian literary landscape.
Heart Lamp comprises 12 intricately woven stories written between 1990 and 2023, reflecting over three decades of Mushtaq’s deep engagement with themes of identity, resilience, and the quiet, often invisible, inner lives of women. Through lyrical prose and rich cultural detail, Mushtaq delves into the daily realities of Muslim women navigating tradition, patriarchy, faith, and societal expectations in the diverse landscape of southern India. Her stories, though rooted in specific communities and geographies, echo universal emotions and struggles, making them resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Deepa Bhasthi’s translation has been widely lauded for its sensitivity and fidelity to the original Kannada text, preserving the emotional intensity and cultural nuance of Mushtaq’s voice. Bhasthi, herself an acclaimed writer and translator, brought Heart Lamp to life for global audiences, opening a window into a world rarely seen in mainstream international literature.
Mushtaq’s win follows Geetanjali Shree’s groundbreaking 2022 victory with Tomb of Sand and comes on the heels of Perumal Murugan’s Pyre being longlisted in 2023. Her recognition further cements the growing international acclaim for Indian regional language literature.
The 2025 International Booker Prize edition featured 13 first-time nominees, including landmark entries from Kannada, Romania, and Iraq. Translator Sophie Hughes made headlines with a record fifth appearance on the longlist, showcasing the growing diversity and strength of translated fiction.
Banu Mushtaq’s win is not just a personal triumph but a celebration of Kannada literature and a spotlight on the voices of Muslim women in Indian storytelling. Her success underscores the importance of translation in building bridges across cultures and affirms that powerful stories, regardless of language, have the ability to touch hearts worldwide.
