Join Banu Mushtaq, an award-winning author known for her fearless storytelling, and Deepa Bhasthi, a talented translator, as they dive into the powerful themes in 'Heart Lamp: Selected Stories.' They discuss the challenges of portraying Muslim women's narratives, the role of translation in amplifying regional voices, and the impact of cultural norms on gender equality. With humor and poignant anecdotes, they explore the complexities of maternal love and class disparities, highlighting how fiction can challenge societal expectations and inspire change.
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Unexpected Booker Longlist News
Banu Mushtaq learned about her book being longlisted for the Booker Prize while working as a lawyer, initially unaware her book was even submitted. - Her family and media soon celebrated the historic recognition for Kannada and Indian literature.
insights INSIGHT
Symbolism Behind Book Cover
The cover design of Heart Lamp uses a pomegranate symbolic of feminine paradoxes and a shadow resembling a hijab without being explicit. - This subtly reflects the themes of women's experiences and cultural nuances in Banu Mushtaq's stories.
insights INSIGHT
Gender as a Powerful Social Religion
Gender acts as a de facto religion in many parts of Asia, where being born a girl often means systemic denial of rights and privileges. - Women claiming property rights are stigmatized as greedy, reflecting deep societal and legal inequities favoring men.
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Banu Mushtaq's 'Hasina Mathu Itarakathigadu' is a Kannada collection of short stories. The book showcases Mushtaq's distinctive narrative style and her ability to portray the lives and experiences of women in southern India with depth and authenticity. The stories delve into various themes, including societal expectations, cultural traditions, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Mushtaq's background in journalism and law informs her writing, lending a unique perspective to the characters and their circumstances. The collection reflects the nuances of language and culture, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of life in the region. Through her storytelling, Mushtaq challenges norms, preserves oral histories, and provides a voice to those often unheard.
Heart Lamp
Heart Lamp
Banu Mushtaq
Deepa Bhasthi
This conversation on Heart Lamp: Selected Stories, awarded the Booker Prize 2025, will delve into Banu Mushtaq’s fearless storytelling and her portrayal of women navigating faith, family, and societal expectations in southern India. The speakers will explore how Mushtaq’s journalistic and legal background shaped her writing, giving voice to the struggles and resilience of Muslim women. Translator Deepa Bhasthi, whose masterful rendering brings these stories to an English-speaking audience, will share insights into the nuances of language, the challenges of retaining Mushtaq’s distinctive voice, and the role of translation in preserving and amplifying regional literature. Through anecdotes from the book and reflections on contemporary gender and caste dynamics, the discussion will highlight the power of fiction to challenge norms, preserve oral histories, and inspire change.
In this episode of BIC Talks, Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhashti will be in conversation with Shinie Antony. This is an excerpt from a conversation that took place in the BIC premises in April 2025.
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