Indian Author and Translator Win International Booker Prize for Short Story Collection 'Heart Lamp'

In a landmark achievement for Indian literature, author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi have been awarded the 2025 International Booker Prize for their book "Heart Lamp." This marks the first time a collection of short stories has won the prestigious award, which recognizes the finest works of fiction translated into English. The win celebrates not only the literary merit of the work but also the crucial role of translation in bridging cultural and linguistic divides.

A Thousand Fireflies: Mushtaq's Literary Triumph

Banu Mushtaq, a 77-year-old writer, lawyer, and activist, has penned stories for decades in Kannada, a language spoken by an estimated 65 million people primarily in southern India. Despite her long career, Mushtaq remained relatively unknown outside of Kannada literary circles. "Heart Lamp" is a collection of 12 stories written between 1990 and 2023, offering glimpses into the lives of women and girls in Muslim communities in southern India. The stories explore themes of misogyny, resistance, faith, caste, power, and oppression with a simple yet textured language that captures the rhythm and slang of the Kannada dialect.

Upon receiving the award at a ceremony in London's Tate Modern, Mushtaq described the moment as feeling "like a thousand fireflies lighting up a single sky – brief, brilliant and utterly collective." She accepted the honor not as an individual, but as a voice raised in chorus with many others.

Bhasthi's Translation: A Kannada Hum in English

Deepa Bhasthi, the translator of "Heart Lamp," played a vital role in bringing Mushtaq's work to a global audience. Bhasthi carefully curated the stories for the collection and adopted a unique approach to translation, aiming to preserve the essence of the original Kannada language and culture. Rather than converting the language into "proper" English, Bhasthi sought to introduce readers to new words and thoughts imbued with the spirit of Kannada. She describes her approach as "translating with an accent," resulting in an English that carries a distinct "Kannada hum." This innovative approach impressed the judges and contributed to the book's unique appeal.

Themes of Resilience and Resistance

"Heart Lamp" has garnered praise for its portrayal of everyday life in Muslim communities of southern India, particularly the experiences of women and girls. Critics have lauded the collection's dry humor, witty style, and searing commentary on patriarchy, casteism, and religious conservatism. The stories depict women navigating societal expectations, religious constraints, and the challenges of daily life with resilience and quiet defiance.

Mushtaq has stated that her stories are inspired by the experiences of women who come to her seeking help, bearing the weight of societal pressures and injustices. The characters in "Heart Lamp," from spirited grandmothers to bumbling religious clerics, are portrayed as "astonishing portraits of survival and resilience," according to the judging panel.

A Win for Kannada Literature and Indian Translation

The International Booker Prize win is a significant milestone for Kannada literature, marking the first time a work translated from the language has received the prestigious award. It also recognizes the growing importance of Indian literature on the global stage. Mushtaq is the second Indian author to win the prize, following Geetanjali Shree in 2022 for "Tomb of Sand," translated from Hindi by Daisy Rockwell. Bhasthi is the first Indian translator to win the prize.

The £50,000 prize money will be shared equally between Mushtaq and Bhasthi, acknowledging the collaborative nature of their achievement. The win also shines a spotlight on independent publisher And Other Stories, which published "Heart Lamp."

A New Chapter for Mushtaq and Bhasthi

The International Booker Prize win is expected to bring wider recognition to Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi, opening up new opportunities for their work to reach a broader audience. "Heart Lamp" offers English readers a unique glimpse into the lives of women in southern India, challenging perspectives and expanding understanding of translation. As Max Porter, chair of the judges, noted, "Heart Lamp is something genuinely new for English readers." The book's success underscores the power of literature to transcend cultural boundaries and foster empathy and understanding.