21-05-2025
Joyous celebrations at Banu Mushtaq's home in Hassan; elated husband watched award ceremony online
Mushtaq Mohiyudin was wide awake with his fingers crossed in Hassan on Tuesday (May 20) night, when the International Booker Prize ceremony was underway in London. Finally, when the name of his writer-wife Banu Mushtaq was announced as the winner, he was ecstatic beyond words.
'All our family members were in touch online throughout the night,' Mr. Mohiyudin told The Hindu over the phone.
A Hassan-based businessman, Mr. Mohiyudin also had plans to accompany Ms. Banu for the award ceremony. However, due to a delay in applying for visa, he could not travel. She has been accompanied by her three daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Her husband and son Taher could not travel. Both celebrated the occasion by sharing a sweet at their home in Hassan on Wednesday (May 21).
'It is an unforgettable day. We all celebrated the occasion. I went to bed only at 4 a.m. after talking to all relatives and friends. We are all happy for her,' he said.
During her recent interviews, Ms. Banu has spoken about the support she received from her husband in her career as a writer, advocate, journalist and activist. He stood by her during the most difficult times, particularly when she faced the wrath of fundamentalists on the issue of Muslim women seeking entry into mosques.
On her flight to London, Ms. Banu lost her suitcase. The writer posted on her social media account that besides essential medicines, she had lost her silk sari and other dresses she had packed particularly for the award ceremony. Her husband, Mr. Mohiyudin, said that while the luggage had been traced, it was yet to reach the author.
'Our daughters, who accompanied her on the trip, managed to get her a new sari and made some last-minute arrangements in London,' he added.
Banu Mushtaq will be returning to India on May 26.
