“Capturing emotions is more important than literal accuracy in translation” – Deepa Bhasti
Hot Lamp Sets New Sales Record!
The Booker Prize-winning Hot Lamp Kaithi has sold 70,000 copies within just three weeks of release and is expected to cross 150,000 copies in one month. Translations into Malayalam, Assamese, and Odia have already been approved. The book has remained the top bestseller across major booksellers for three consecutive weeks.
In the realm of translated literature, capturing emotions is far more important than maintaining strict word-for-word accuracy, says Deepa Bhasti, the Madikeri-based writer who recently won the prestigious International Booker Prize.
Deepa Bhasti was speaking at a felicitation and dialogue event organized by the Kodagu Journalists Association at the Lali Petal Auditorium in Madikeri. Speaking about her approach, Deepa Bhasti explained that she selected 12 stories from six collections, including Banumushtak’s Edeya Hanate Kaithi, and presented them in Hot Lamp Kaithi, the English version. She emphasized that translation is not about literal word conversion, but about conveying the essence and soul of the original work in a unique narrative style. She stressed the importance of translating some of Kannada’s finest poetry – including the works of Pampa and Kuvempu – into English to reach a global audience. She also highlighted the need for Kannada translations of great works from other languages to enrich Kannada literature. Notably, she praised Malayalam’s vibrant translation tradition in neighboring Kerala.
Recalling the genesis of Hot Lamp Kaithi, Deepa Bhasti said, “Dr. Shivarama Karanthara’s Ade Ooru – Ade Mara Kaithi and Gouramma of Kodagu were gaining recognition through English translations. Around the same time, Banumushtak approached me through a mutual friend and requested me to translate her stories into English. After reading all her collections, I selected 12 stories that I felt deeply connected with. While many other stories were equally beautiful, I excluded some as I found it challenging to convey certain cultural folk elements to an English-speaking audience.” She added that market potential was not a deciding factor for her selections.
Given that Banumushtak’s stories often reflect Muslim cultural traditions, Deepa Bhasti studied the customs thoroughly to ensure cultural integrity in Hot Lamp Kaithi.
She noted that submissions in Italian, Danish, and French also reached the final stages of the Booker Prize competition, including translations by renowned translator Sophie Haggis. However, Hot Lamp Kaithi was ultimately chosen for its “simple, heart-touching language and emotional translation.” Drawing a parallel between the Booker Prize in literature and the Oscars in film, she said that since winning the award, many have approached her for translations. In the coming year, Hot Lamp Kaithi will be showcased at literary festivals across India and internationally. Deepa Bhasti emphasized that emotional translations demand significant time, often taking 2-3 years to complete.
Deepa Bhasti also mentioned that the English translation of This is What It Is, No Is What It Is Not by Samudyatha Venkataramu of Heggodu has been released and holds much promise. She clarified that she translates not out of admiration but for the love of literature, while also working on her own novel, essays, and short stories.
She observed that in today’s digital age, contrary to popular belief, readership has not declined but evolved. Readers continue to seek quality literature for knowledge, making translators as significant as original authors – a fact recognized by the Booker Prize.
Deepa candidly admitted she never anticipated winning the Booker Prize. “I attended the London award ceremony at the publisher’s invitation. When my name was announced, I was overwhelmed. In my speech, I spontaneously referenced Dr. Rajkumar’s song Jenin Daayo, which symbolizes Kannada pride. To my delight, the song gained global recognition thereafter.”
Inspired by Her Grandfather’s Library
Deepa Bhasti credited her literary journey to her grandfather Dr. Nanjundeshwar’s vast library, which nurtured her reading habit from a young age. Her grandmother, a writer herself, also inspired her. She began writing short poems during her school days at Kodagu Vidyalaya, Madikeri, and pursued journalism at Mangala Gangotri. Although trained in English, her love for Kannada literature remains strong.
She gratefully acknowledged the unwavering support of her father Prakash, mother Sudha Bhasti, and husband Chettir Nanaiah, who manages the household to enable her writing pursuits.
Anil H.T., President of the Kodagu Journalists Association, remarked that Deepa’s Booker Prize is not only a personal achievement but also elevates Kodagu’s standing in the global literary landscape.
At the function, hosted by Association General Secretary Suresh Biligeri, Deepa Bhasti was felicitated in the presence of advisors T.P. Ramesh, B.G. Ananthashayana, directors, and members ofthe association.
