In a historic milestone for Indian literature, Hassan, Karnataka-born writer Banu Mushtaq has been awarded the 2025 International Booker Prize for her short story collection Heart Lamp. It is the first Kannada book — and indeed any collection of short stories — ever to win this coveted literary award.
The English translation by Madikeri-based Deepa Bhasthi played a pivotal role in bringing Heart Lamp to a global audience. Announced at London’s iconic Tate Modern, the recognition underscores the growing appreciation for regional Indian literature in international literary spaces.
A Voice Rooted in Reality
Banu Mushtaq is not only a writer but an advocate, journalist, poet, novelist, and social activist as well. Her work derives strength from lived experience and unflinching focus on social reality. The narratives in Heart Lamp journey through difficult themes like women’s lives, reproductive rights, caste, belief, and systemic oppression — all rooted in the linguistic depth of Kannada.
Watch: Indian author Banu Mushtaq won the International Booker Prize 2025 on May 20 with her collection of 12 short stories, “Heart Lamp,” which captures the daily lives of females living in Muslim communities in southern India pic.twitter.com/P0A76pHlmr
— Forbes India (@ForbesIndia) May 21, 2025
Moderating the judging panel, writer Max Porter called the collection “something truly new to English readers,” heaping praise on the “radical translation” and its energetic mixture of socio-political dialects and Kannada heritage.
From Bullock Carts to Booker
Responding to the news, Banu said in an interview with The Times of India, “The award reflects the real potential of Kannada language and literature.” Banu emphasized the importance of translation for carrying local voices onto international platforms. Banu remembered her turnabout from a rural childhood to literary success on the world stage.
“Winning wasn’t about personal acclaim but about appreciation of teamwork,” she continued. Despite the accolades, Banu vowed, “My writing will not change.”
A New Chapter in Indian Storytelling
This victory is not just personal success — it is a turning point in the history of regional Indian literature. Banu’s writing confirms that narratives grounded in local experiences can resonate globally. It also reiterates the necessity of additional translations from languages such as Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, and Marathi, making these powerful works more accessible to the masses.
