Kannada Literature Shines on Global Stage: Banu Mushtaq’s ‘Heart Lamp’ Longlisted for Prestigious Booker Prize

In a landmark moment for Indian regional literature, Karnataka-based writer, activist, and lawyer Banu Mushtaq has etched her name in literary history. Her short story collection, Heart Lamp—originally written in Kannada and translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi—has been longlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize, one of the world’s most celebrated literary honors. This marks the first time a work from the Kannada literary tradition has earned a spot on the prize’s longlist, a milestone celebrated by readers and writers across India.  

The collection, comprising 13 stories, delves into the raw, often unseen lives of individuals grappling with family fractures, societal pressures, and the quiet resilience of marginalized communities. Judges praised Mushtaq’s storytelling as “witty, vivid, and excoriating,” highlighting her ability to weave colloquial authenticity with emotional depth. “These stories don’t just narrate—they pulse with the moral and emotional weight of lives lived on the edges,” the panel remarked.  

Mushtaq, known for her advocacy work and legal career, brings a sharp, compassionate lens to her writing, often amplifying voices sidelined by mainstream narratives. Translator Deepa Bhasthi’s role has been pivotal in bridging cultures, ensuring the soul of the Kannada original resonates globally. If selected for the shortlist (to be announced later this year), the duo will split the £50,000 prize, underscoring the Booker’s recognition of translation as an art form.  

For Kannada literature, this moment is more than an accolade—it’s a beacon. “It’s thrilling to see our stories, rooted in Karnataka’s soil, speak to readers worldwide,” said a fellow Kannada writer. As readers await the shortlist, Heart Lamp already burns brighter, illuminating the power of regional stories to transcend borders.