Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq’s translated work on Booker shortlist

BENGALURU: "Heart Lamp, Banu Mushtaq's short story collection translated from Kannada into English, has been shortlisted for 2025 International Booker Prize.

This is the first time that a Kannada work has made it to the final shortlist of the prestigious prize with a cash component of £50,000, which is shared equally between the author and the translator.

"I felt happy to see a Kannada book on such a global stage," Mushtaq, the Hassan-based writer, activist, and lawyer, told TOI. "My kids informed me about the announcement. Later, my publishers also shared the news. It's a historic moment," Mushtaq said.


KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp becomes the first Kannada book shortlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize.
• The International Booker Prize includes a £50,000 award shared equally by the author and translator.
• Mushtaq, a writer, activist, and lawyer from Hassan, expressed joy at her book's global recognition.
• Her children were the first to inform her of the nomination, followed by confirmation from her publisher.
• The nomination marks a historic milestone for Kannada literature on an international platform.