Indian Author Banu Mushtaq Wins International Booker Prize for Ground breaking Short Story Collection
Indian author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi won the prestigious International Booker Prize for their book Heart Lamp. The collection features 12 short stories that explore the lives and challenges of women in southern India.
A Landmark Win for Short Stories and Indian Literature
The prize was announced on May 20, 2025, during a ceremony at London’s Tate Modern. Heart Lamp became the first short story collection to win the International Booker Prize. Max Porter, bestselling author and chair of the judging panel, revealed the winner and praised the book’s emotional and political power.
Deepa Bhasthi Becomes First Indian Translator to Win
Originally written in Kannada a language spoken by over 65 million people—Heart Lamp reflects India’s regional diversity. Translator Deepa Bhasthi made history as the first Indian and ninth female translator to win the award since its current form began in 2016. Porter called her translation “radical” and commended her for preserving the book’s linguistic depth.
Giving Voice to Women’s Struggles
The stories, written between 1990 and 2023, focus on women’s everyday experiences. They explore themes such as caste, faith, reproductive rights, and social pressure. At a recent reading, Mushtaq, who is also a lawyer and activist, explained that the stories highlight how religion and politics often demand women’s obedience. This demand, she noted, strips women of their humanity and turns them into subordinates.
Equal Prize Money for Author and Translator
The £50,000 prize (about $66,000) will be split evenly between Mushtaq and Bhasthi. Both also received individual trophies to honor their literary contribution.
Promoting Regional Indian Literature
Porter praised the collection for its multilingual richness and deep cultural insight. He described the stories as life-affirming” and relevant across cultures. The award not only honors Indian author Banu Mushtaq but also shines a spotlight on regional Indian voices and the art of literary translation.
