Kannada Writer Banu Mushtaq ’s ‘Heart Lamp’ Makes It to International Booker Longlist

Kannada writer, activist, and lawyer Banu Mushtaq has achieved a significant milestone as her short story collection Heart Lamp is long-listed for the prestigious International Booker Prize 2025. The book, translated from Kannada to English by writer and literary translator Deepa Bhasthi, delves into human emotions, relationships, and societal transformation.

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Deep Dive into Human Emotions

Published by Penguin Random House, Heart Lamp presents thought-provoking narratives that explore themes of love, loss, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving society, the book captures the essence of human experiences in a relatable and touching manner.

Proud Moment for Kannada Literature

Expressing her joy, Banu Mushtaq called the nomination a "tremendous honour" for Kannada literature. Translator Deepa Bhasthi also emphasized the significance of this recognition, highlighting how the stories of South Indian women navigating patriarchal pressures have resonated with an international jury. She believes the book’s universal appeal will help Kannada literature gain global recognition.

Upcoming Release and Next Steps

The English translation of Heart Lamp is set to be released in April 2025. Meanwhile, the International Booker Prize shortlist, narrowing down the longlist of 12 books to 6, will be announced on April 8.

Indian Literature at the Booker Prize

This recognition follows the success of Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree, which won the International Booker Prize in 2022, marking a historic moment for Hindi literature. If Heart Lamp progresses further, it could add another milestone for Indian languages on the global literary stage.

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