Latest news with #Nanaiah
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Just the beginning, says Bhasthi after winning International Booker Prize
London/Madikeri: Deepa Bhasthi who translated Edeya Hanate ( Heart Lamp ), authored by Banu Mushtaq , paid rich tribute to Kannada, her mother tongue, at the glittering award ceremony at London's Tate Modern. Beginning her speech in Kannada, Bhasthi quoted a line from the iconic Rajkumar song 'Jenina Holeyo, Haalina Maleyo', calling Kannada "a river of honey, a rain of milk, and sweet ambrosia". "What a win this is for my beautiful language," she said to resounding applause. "Kannada is one of the oldest languages on earth, and I am ecstatic that this will hopefully lead to a greater interest in reading, writing, and translating from and into the language." Bhasthi, from Kodagu district in Karnataka, studied at Kodagu Vidyalaya and moved to Mangaluru to complete her graduation in mass communication. After stints in print media in Bengaluru, she transitioned to freelance writing and literary translation. While Bhasthi accepted the International Booker Prize in London, her husband Chettira Sujan Nanaiah celebrated quietly at their farmhouse in Madikeri, Kodagu. Surrounded by five pet dogs and lush greenery, the artist-turned-farmer, said: "She's still in joyous shock. I couldn't be there with her due to other commitments, but I'm extremely proud." The couple moved to Madikeri during the pandemic. Nanaiah, who first met Bhasthi at an art exhibition seven years ago, said he broke the news to her parents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "They were emotional and proud. It's a big moment for our family," he said. Calls have been pouring in, but Nanaiah remains grounded, tending to the farm and their pets. "I didn't expect her to win," he said. "I'm thrilled for her and for what it means for Kannada literature. " In an interview with TOI after Heart Lamp was shortlisted for the Booker, Bhasthi had recalled how Banu had approached her in 2022 to translate her stories. Captivated by their relevance, Bhasthi quickly went to work on the project which spanned nearly three years. "This recognition is just the beginning," she said of the Booker win. Highlighting linguistic and cultural challenges, she said, "Banu's writing incorporates many words specific to the Hassan region." Calling translation a collaborative art, she said, "A translator is absolutely at the same level as the writer." Bhasthi's next work will be a translation of a debut author's short novel.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
In his farm with five pet dogs, Booker winner Deepa Bhasthi's husband celebrates in Kodagu
While Karnataka's Kodagu-born writer Deepa Bhasthi celebrates a historic International Booker Prize win in London, her husband Chettira Sujan Nanaiah is celebrating in his own quiet way — on his farm, with five pet dogs, and congratulatory phone calls at their peaceful home in Madikeri. On Tuesday night, Ms. Bhasthi, along with writer-activist Banu Mushtaq, was awarded the prestigious GBP 50,000 International Booker Prize for her translation of the latter's short story collection, Heart Lamp. While the literary world applauded her in London, back home in Kodagu, the win was met with joy, disbelief, and a bit of solitude. Speaking to The Hindu over the phone on Wednesday morning, Sujan Nanaiah — an artist-turned-farmer — shared his happiness. 'She's still in shock and joy. We spoke briefly in the morning. I couldn't be there with her due to other commitments, but I'm extremely happy and proud,' he said. Quiet life in Madikeri The couple, who moved to their native Madikeri during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been living a quiet life on their farm surrounded by lush greenery. 'It's a simple life. We grow our own food, look after our pets, and enjoy being close to nature,' he said. Mr. Nanaiah, who studied fine arts at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru, first met Ms. Bhasthi seven years ago at an art exhibition where he was a participant. What began as a friendship evolved into marriage and a shared life in Kodagu. As calls poured in from family and friends, Mr. Nanaiah was busy tending to farm duties and looking after their pets. 'I didn't expect her to win, but I'm thrilled for her and the recognition it brings to Kannada literature,' he said, adding that he was the one who shared the good news with Bhasthi's parents on May 21 morning. 'They were emotional and proud. It's a big moment for our family,' he added. Born and raised in Madikeri, Ms. Bhasthi studied at Kodagu Vidyalaya before moving to Mangaluru for a degree in Mass Communication. She worked with print publications in Bengaluru before transitioning to freelance writing and literary translation. Mr. Nanaiah said that Deepa's return to Kodagu is expected around May 26, though her schedule is still uncertain. For now, as she enjoys her moment on the international stage, her immensely proud husband continues to hold fort at their serene Madikeri farmhouse.
