From grassroots journalism to global literary acclaim, Banu Mushtaq’s ‘Heart Lamp’ becomes the first Kannada book to win the International Booker Prize.
Bengaluru: In a moment that has made Kannada literature shine on the world stage, writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq became the first Kannada author to win the International Booker Prize 2025 for her anthology of short stories, Heart Lamp—a deeply evocative collection drawn from over five decades of life, struggle, and storytelling.
At a felicitation organised by the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) in collaboration with Bahuroopi Publications and the Gandhi Foundation, Mushtaq was celebrated not just for her historic literary achievement but for her enduring voice as a writer rooted in the people’s reality.
“In London, whoever approached me to sign their copy of Heart Lamp, I signed in Kannada,” she said with a smile. “The others were postgraduate writers. I was the only grassroots writer there.”
This heartfelt anecdote from her recent trip to London, where she received the award, drew warm applause at the event. It encapsulated the pride she carries for her language and her journey—one that began not in elite literary circles but in the dusty corridors of journalism and people’s movements.
From Lankesh Patrike to Literary Laurels: Mushtaq’s literary journey is as inspiring as it is powerful. She began her career in journalism with Lankesh Patrike, where she spent over four decades giving voice to the voiceless. Later, she embraced law and activism, always guided by a sharp sense of justice and empathy for the marginalised.
Her winning work, Heart Lamp (originally Hridaya Deepa in Kannada), features 12 poignant stories written between 1990 and 2023, each exploring the lives, hopes, sorrows and resilience of everyday people. The stories were translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, who also made history by becoming the first Indian translator to win the International Booker Prize.
Global Acclaim, Local Roots: The success of Heart Lamp is unprecedented—not just in recognition but in reach. The book has sold over ₹6 crore worth of copies and will be translated into 35 global and 12 Indian languages. Several filmmakers have acquired rights to adapt stories from the anthology into films, amplifying its impact beyond the page.
One such story, Kari Nagaragalu, was adapted into the film Hasina by national award-winning filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, which won a National Award for Best Actor.
A Celebration of Humanity and Indianness : Addressing the gathering, K.V. Prabhakar, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, lauded Mushtaq’s writing for blending “humanity and Indianness at a time when disruptive forces are tearing the world apart.”
Shivanand Tagadur, KUWJ President, reflected on her legacy as a journalist:
“She was one of us. Being a journalist for a decade gave her the courage to challenge, to speak, and to create.”
In her speech, Mushtaq emphasised the need for global readers to now engage with Indian stories:
“We have read their books and followed their way of life. Now, they must understand our stories, our ideologies, and our lived experiences.”
National Recognition Awaits : Mushtaq’s achievements are set to be further honoured as the Government of Karnataka will felicitate her at Vidhana Soudha on June 2. Across the political spectrum, leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have congratulated her for crafting stories that not only highlight literary brilliance but also carry the message of “harmony, secularism, and fraternity.”
Lighting Hearts, Across Languages and Borders: Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp has not only ignited a global conversation around Kannada literature—it has become a symbol of hope, resistance, and the quiet dignity of unheard voices. In her victory, the language, the people, and the stories of Karnataka have found their rightful place on the world’s bookshelf.
As the world turns its gaze towards Indian literature, Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp glows bright—a beacon from the grassroots, written in Kannada, read across continents.
