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Banu Mushtaq becomes first Kannada author to win International Booker Prize for Heart Lamp

Banu Mushtaq has made history as the first Kannada writer to win the International Booker Prize for Heart Lamp, a powerful anthology exploring the lives of Muslim women in southern India.

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In a groundbreaking achievement, Indian writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq has become the first author writing in Kannada to receive the prestigious International Booker Prize. Her award-winning short story collection, Heart Lamp, which spans narratives crafted between 1990 and 2023, has made literary history by also becoming the first anthology of short stories to ever win the international honour.

A voice for the unheard

Heart Lamp captures the complex, often overlooked lives of Muslim women in southern India. Lauded for its “witty, vivid, colloquial, moving and excoriating” storytelling, the book was selected from a pool of six international finalists. It reflects not only Mushtaq’s literary skill but also her deep understanding of the social structures that shape women’s lives.

From small-town Karnataka to global recognition

Raised in a modest town in Karnataka, Mushtaq’s early life was steeped in tradition. Initially schooled in the Quran, her journey took a transformative turn when she was enrolled in a convent school, where Kannada—later the medium of her literary expression—was the language of instruction.

Her path to publication was far from easy. Though she began writing while still in school, her first story was published only at age 27, a year after she married for love. Despite personal and societal challenges—including emotional struggles early in marriage and the weight of domestic expectations—Mushtaq found the strength to keep writing.

Personal pain, public voice

Mushtaq has spoken candidly about her battles with postpartum depression and mental health, recalling a harrowing moment when she considered self-immolation. It was her husband’s intervention that pulled her back from the brink.

A turning point came after the birth of her third daughter in 1981, when she read about a woman being harassed by a Muslim committee for watching a movie. Fueled by rage and a sense of injustice, she wrote a fiery article defending women’s rights, which was published in a prominent Kannada daily. That moment marked the beginning of her public writing career.

Bold activism through literature

Associated with the Bandaya movement, which blends literature with activism to spotlight social inequities, Mushtaq’s boldness has often made her a target. Her support for women’s right to pray in mosques triggered backlash, including threatening calls, a fatwa, and even an attempted physical attack, thwarted by her husband.

Yet, her courage and commitment to truth-telling have earned her widespread respect. She has been honoured with several accolades, including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award.

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

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deepika-padukone-ranveer

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

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Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

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Drishyam 3 trailer

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.

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Musician Bhagirath Bhatt breaks silence on Bigg Boss 20 entry, says not going

Musician and sitarist Bhagirath Bhatt has clarified that he will not participate in Bigg Boss 20, citing his preference for calm music and peaceful surroundings.

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Bhagirath Bhatt

Sitarist and music composer Bhagirath Bhatt has clarified that he will not be participating in Bigg Boss 20, putting an end to speculation about his possible entry into the reality show.

Bhatt addressed the questions he had been receiving from followers on social media and thanked them for their interest. However, he made it clear that he is not part of the upcoming season.

Bhagirath Bhatt explains why he is not joining Bigg Boss 20

In an Instagram Story, Bhatt said that he does not think he is suited to a show like Bigg Boss. He explained that his personality is more aligned with calm and peaceful surroundings.

The musician said he is not someone who can shout or create unnecessary noise and described himself as a believer in calm music. He added that peaceful music has always been a source of inspiration for him.

His clarification came after his name had been circulating in discussions about possible contestants for Bigg Boss 20.

Bhagirath Bhatt’s work in films and series

Bhagirath Bhatt is known for his work as a sitarist and music composer. According to the report, he has worked on films including Padmaavat, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Border 2.

He has also been associated with projects such as Bandish Bandits and Heeramandi.

Meanwhile, the makers of Bigg Boss 20 are yet to officially reveal the complete contestant list. The new season is scheduled to premiere on September 6 at 9 PM.

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