London, May 21 – The English translation of Hridaya Deepa, a Kannada short story collection by author, lawyer, and social activist Banu Mushtaq, has been awarded the prestigious International Booker Prize 2025. The translated version, titled Heart Lamp, was recognized at a ceremony held on Tuesday night at London’s Tate Modern gallery.
As per agency report, Heart Lamp becomes the first work in Kannada to receive the £50,000 award, which is shared equally between the original author and the translator. Mushtaq and her translator, Deepa Bhasthi, were present together to receive the honor. Mushtaq described the win as a victory for diversity and a powerful moment for regional literature.
The collection, spanning more than 30 years of Mushtaq’s literary career from 1990 to 2023, comprises 12 poignant stories that explore the resilience, resistance, and wit of women living within patriarchal South Indian communities. The stories draw inspiration from a rich oral storytelling tradition and vividly depict personal and societal tensions with sharp humor, conversational style, and emotional depth.
Mushtaq emphasized that the book was born from the belief that no story is too small, and that every thread in the fabric of human experience carries the weight of the whole narrative. She added that in a world often bent on division, literature remains one of the few sacred spaces where individuals can truly connect, even if just for a few pages.
Translator Deepa Bhasthi expressed pride in her language and called the win a beautiful moment for Kannada literature. The jury chair, Max Porter, praised Heart Lamp as a groundbreaking piece that introduces something entirely fresh to English readers. He described the translation as revolutionary, weaving new textures into the plurality of the English language, while also challenging and expanding the very idea of translation.
Heart Lamp is also the first short story collection ever to win the International Booker Prize. Selected from a shortlist of six global titles, the book’s candid portrayal of family dynamics and community conflict stood out for its bold and evocative storytelling. The award reaffirms the global resonance of Mushtaq’s voice and shines a spotlight on Kannada literature on the world stage.
