MYSURU: Writer and translator Deepa Bhasthi, who hails from the coffeeland of Kodagu, about 250km from Bengaluru, has carved a niche in literary translation with a focus on Kannada-English works.
Her translation of Hassan-based writer-activist Banu Mushtaq's short stories into a collection named Heart Lamp has earned international acclaim, securing an English PEN Award and a spot on the International Booker Prize 2025 shortlist.
Bhasthi shared her journey, challenges, and hopes for regional language literature with TOI. Following are excerpts.
How did you first come across Banu Mushtaq's stories?
In 2022, Banu called and asked if I had read her stories and would consider translating them. I had read a few earlier, but never from a translator's lens. Once I revisited them, I was struck by their contemporary relevance and began working on a few translations. This journey has now lasted nearly three years.
How did you choose the stories for Heart Lamp?
There's no original collection called Heart Lamp. These 12 stories are selected from Banu's six books. The themes — female emancipation, patriarchy — are central and universal.
What does Heart Lamp's Booker shortlist mean for Kannada literature?
It's significant. Kannada, with its 1,500-year-old history, doesn't need global validation, but recognition helps. It puts the language in front of international readers and those unfamiliar with it. We're just beginning to see Kannada literature gain visibility, and more translations will only help.
What were the major challenges in translating Heart Lamp?
Banu uses many words unique to the Hassan region, which I'm less familiar with. The bigger challenge was cultural. Her stories depict intimate Muslim lives that I wasn't deeply familiar with. I addressed these through cultural immersion — consuming music, books, and visual content from the community.
Do you see yourself as a co-creator in this translation?
Absolutely. Translators are equal to writers. Translation isn't a one-to-one language swap, it's a complex, collaborative process. I'm glad the International Booker acknowledges that.
How has the book been received by Kannada and international readers?
Kannada-speaking friends appreciated the translation deeply. Knowing the original language adds a layer to the reading experience, and the feedback has been very encouraging.
What about the feminist and Muslim women's voices in the book?
That's a better question for Banu. I'm wary of reducing her work to just religious identity. The themes — patriarchy, women's lives — are universal and resonate beyond any one community.
Do you think awards like these will boost translations of regional literature by women?
I hope so. Geetanjali Shree and Daisy Rockwell's Booker win inspired greater interest in South Asian translations. I believe Heart Lamp can do the same for Kannada and other Indian languages.
How different was translating Banu versus Kodagina Gouramma?
Very different — different eras, communities, and voices. But both focus on women's experiences, and sadly, not much has changed in the issues women face. That makes their writing deeply relatable.
Will you be translating more of Mushtaq's work?
Not immediately. I'm exploring other writers for now.
What are you working on next?
I'm currently translating a short novel by a debut author.
Her translation of Hassan-based writer-activist Banu Mushtaq's short stories into a collection named Heart Lamp has earned international acclaim, securing an English PEN Award and a spot on the International Booker Prize 2025 shortlist.
Bhasthi shared her journey, challenges, and hopes for regional language literature with TOI. Following are excerpts.
How did you first come across Banu Mushtaq's stories?
In 2022, Banu called and asked if I had read her stories and would consider translating them. I had read a few earlier, but never from a translator's lens. Once I revisited them, I was struck by their contemporary relevance and began working on a few translations. This journey has now lasted nearly three years.
How did you choose the stories for Heart Lamp?
There's no original collection called Heart Lamp. These 12 stories are selected from Banu's six books. The themes — female emancipation, patriarchy — are central and universal.
What does Heart Lamp's Booker shortlist mean for Kannada literature?
It's significant. Kannada, with its 1,500-year-old history, doesn't need global validation, but recognition helps. It puts the language in front of international readers and those unfamiliar with it. We're just beginning to see Kannada literature gain visibility, and more translations will only help.
What were the major challenges in translating Heart Lamp?
Banu uses many words unique to the Hassan region, which I'm less familiar with. The bigger challenge was cultural. Her stories depict intimate Muslim lives that I wasn't deeply familiar with. I addressed these through cultural immersion — consuming music, books, and visual content from the community.
Do you see yourself as a co-creator in this translation?
Absolutely. Translators are equal to writers. Translation isn't a one-to-one language swap, it's a complex, collaborative process. I'm glad the International Booker acknowledges that.
How has the book been received by Kannada and international readers?
Kannada-speaking friends appreciated the translation deeply. Knowing the original language adds a layer to the reading experience, and the feedback has been very encouraging.
What about the feminist and Muslim women's voices in the book?
That's a better question for Banu. I'm wary of reducing her work to just religious identity. The themes — patriarchy, women's lives — are universal and resonate beyond any one community.
Do you think awards like these will boost translations of regional literature by women?
I hope so. Geetanjali Shree and Daisy Rockwell's Booker win inspired greater interest in South Asian translations. I believe Heart Lamp can do the same for Kannada and other Indian languages.
How different was translating Banu versus Kodagina Gouramma?
Very different — different eras, communities, and voices. But both focus on women's experiences, and sadly, not much has changed in the issues women face. That makes their writing deeply relatable.
Will you be translating more of Mushtaq's work?
Not immediately. I'm exploring other writers for now.
What are you working on next?
I'm currently translating a short novel by a debut author.
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