'From bullock carts to global stage': Who is Banu Mushtaq? ‘Heart Lamp' author who won International Booker Prize 2025

Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq has won the International Booker Prize 2025 for her short story collection, Heart Lamp, translated by Deepa Bhasthi. This marks the first time a short story collection has received this honor.
BENGALURU:
Banu Mushtaq
, a Hassan-based Kannada writer, has made history by winning the prestigious
International Booker Prize 2025
for her
short story collection
Heart Lamp
.
Translated from Kannada to English by Madikeri-based Deepa Bhasthi, Heart Lamp is the first short story collection ever to receive this distinguished honour.
An advocate and journalist by profession, Banu is also a poet, novelist, and social activist.
Her work reflects a deep engagement with social issues including women's experiences, reproductive rights, faith, caste, power structures, and oppression.
Announcing the award at London's Tate Modern, judging panel chair Max Porter praised Heart Lamp as 'something genuinely new for English readers,' highlighting its 'radical translation' and 'vibrant, uplifting narratives' that blend Kannada roots with diverse socio-political dialects.
Speaking to TOI after the announcement, Banu said the award 'shows the true potential of Kannada language and literature.' She emphasized the importance of bringing more Kannada works to a global audience through translation. Recalling the tense moments before the announcement, Banu described the experience as 'electrifying' and said the win was 'not individual recognition but a recognition of teamwork.'
Despite the global acclaim, she vowed her 'writing will remain the same,' reflecting on her journey from 'travelling in bullock carts to standing on this global stage.'

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