This story is from April 09, 2025

Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq’s translated work on Booker shortlist

Banu Mushtaq's short story collection, "Heart Lamp," translated from Kannada, has been shortlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize. This marks a historic moment as the first Kannada work to reach the final shortlist of this prestigious award. Mushtaq, a writer, activist, and lawyer based in Hassan, expressed her joy at seeing Kannada literature recognized on a global platform.
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.
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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.
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