International Booker Prize 2025: Banu Mushtaq’s ‘Heart Lamp’ Gets Shortlisted, 3 Points About The Kannada Book

‘Heart Lamp’ by Banu Mushtaq brings 12 thought-provoking short stories over three decades, from 1990 to 2023.
international booker prize

In a groundbreaking moment for Kannada literature, 'Heart Lamp', a collection of short stories by celebrated author Banu Mushtaq and translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, has earned a spot on the 2025 International Booker Prize shortlist. The announcement came on April 8, 2025, marking the first time a work originally written in Kannada has been recognised among the six finalists for this prestigious global award.

“From the too-perfect interiors of a Berlin apartment to a terrifying journey across the English Channel; from patriarchal communities in southern India to a futuristic world at the limits of our imagination. These are books about survival and self-preservation," the Foundation said in a statement.

Reacting to the news, Banu expressed her gratitude, recalling her father’s contribution in shaping her life. “My father chose Kannada for me against all odds. That choice didn’t just give me a language, but a way of thinking. I’m also thankful to my husband, Mushtaq Mohiyuddin, who supported my writing through challenging times," she said during a conversation with The Hindu.

International Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist

Below are the six books shortlisted for this year’s award:

On the Calculation of Volume (Book I) by Solvej Balle (Danish), translated by Barbara J Haveland.

Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix (French), translated by Helen Stevenson

Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami (Japanese), translated by Asa Yoneda

Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico (Italian), translated by Sophie Hughes

Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq (Kannada), translated by Deepa Bhasthi

A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre (French), translated by Mark Hutchinson

Things To Know About Banu Mushtaq’s ‘Heart Lamp’

Stories Spanning Over Three Decades

‘Heart Lamp’ brings 12 thought-provoking short stories over three decades, from 1990 to 2023.

Celebrating Resilience And Humanity

This year's shortlisted works showcase resilience and survival in the face of crisis and oppression. The judges praised the shortlist for celebrating the human spirit and our capacity to endure and strive for a better life.

Language And Love

After being shortlisted, Mushtaq shared her emotional response, crediting her late father for introducing her to Kannada, which became her literary voice. She also thanked her husband for his unwavering support throughout her writing career.

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