Banu Mushtaq’s Kannada publisher scrambles to meet growing demand after Booker win
Mysuru: Following the international acclaim of Heart Lamp, the book by veteran Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq that recently won the coveted International Booker Prize, demand for its Kannada edition, Hasina Mattu Itara Kathegalu, has surged across bookstores in Karnataka.
Published by Abhiruchi Prakashana, the 776-page collection of 47 short stories has gained considerable attention since the book’s global recognition. According to Ganesh, the proprietor of Abhiruchi Prakashana, the publisher has sold nearly 1,000 copies within the past week alone, as reported by Deccan Herald on Wednesday.
The publisher has now received an impressive 3,000 orders from bookstores across Karnataka, illustrating the book's soaring popularity.
Ganesh’s association with Banu Mushtaq began in 2002 when they first met at a protest in Hassan. This brief encounter turned into a 23-year-long collaboration between the two. He initially published two of her short story collections, Safira and Badavara Magalu Hennalla, the report added.
Banu’s earlier books Hejje Moodada Haadi, Benki Male, and Edeya Hanathe, previously published by various other houses, were not available at the time. In 2013, Ganesh made the decision to bring all of Banu’s stories together, publishing Hasina Mattu Itara Kathegalu.
“Banu called me at the beginning of this year, asking if I could make another compilation of her stories. That’s when I decided to include the new collection as well in the revised edition of ‘Hasina Mattu Itara Kathegalu’,” DH quoted Ganesh as saying.
Abhiruchi Prakashana is a small publishing house located in the quiet lanes of Saraswathipuram in Mysuru. Ganesh’s journey in the world of Kannada literature began in his teenage years when, at just 18, he sold books from a bicycle. Thanks to a Rs 25,000 grant from the Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara (Kannada Book Authority), Ganesh opened his first bookstore, Abhiruchi Kannada Pustaka Malige, in 1995. He also ventured into publishing soon after.
"My experience selling books made it easier to choose which ones to publish," Ganesh explained. "And I had the privilege of engaging with progressive Left-leaning groups like Dalit Sangharsh Samithi and Raitha Sangha, who became my customers," he added.
Notably, Abhiruchi Prakashana has published 438 books to date. In recognition of its contribution to the Kannada literary scene, the publishing house will be receiving the Kannada Book Authority’s Best Publication Award for 2023, announced this year.
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Veteran Tamil film producer Rajan dies after jumping into Adyar River
Chennai (PTI): Veteran Tamil film producer K Rajan died after jumping into the Adyar River in the city on Sunday, police said.
Police said it appears to be a case of suicide, though the reason for his extreme step was not immediately known.
The 85-year-old film personality asked his driver to stop the car while crossing the Adyar bridge and suddenly got out and jumped into the river, police sources said.
The driver immediately alerted Fire and Rescue Services personnel, who reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem.
Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.
Rajan entered the Tamil film industry as a producer in the early 1980s. Apart from producing films, he also directed a few movies.
He also served as president of a film distributors’ association.
Top leaders of political parties, including the two Dravidian majors—the DMK and AIADMK—expressed shock and grief over his death and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Former Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin said Rajan had always boldly raised his voice for the welfare of small film producers and the overall development of the film industry.
“He had always urged that Tamil films be titled in Tamil,” Stalin said in a statement, adding that Rajan consistently fought for the rights of ordinary workers in the film industry.
AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said Rajan’s voice was important in securing recognition for small-budget films in the Tamil film industry.
Among others who condoled his death was PMK founder S Ramadoss. Leaders from various parties also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
“This is terrible news. Deeply shocked to hear about the demise of our beloved member of the film fraternity, producer K Rajan sir,” actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar said in a post on social media platform X.
“He was a very respectful person and someone who never hesitated to call a spade a spade. This is very upsetting. May his soul rest in peace,” she added.
