Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq
The International Booker Prize has released its longlist for the year, and one of the 13 titles is Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp.
Originally published in Kannada, the novel is a compelling collection of 12 stories that offer readers a window into the lives of women and girls in Muslim communities in southern India.
The 12 stories are celebrated for their understated humorous writing, as well as their insightful portrayal of family and community dynamics.
Banu, a distinguished lawyer and activist, draws upon her extensive experience advocating for women’s rights and opposing caste and religious oppression.
The narratives feature a diverse array of characters – from spirited children and bold grandmothers to insightful maulvis and flawed husbands – all navigating the complexities of their social and personal worlds.
The collection not only sheds light on the varied realities of contemporary women but also exemplifies Banu’s exceptional storytelling prowess.
Deepa Bhasthi’s translation captures the original’s nuances, making this significant work accessible to a global audience.
Fitrat
This Urdu track by Pakistani pop artiste Kaifi Khalil featuring Indian pop musician Tulsi Kumar has been making its rounds on social media since its release earlier this week.
This cross-border collaboration, that many might deem controversial, is one that Kumar said she is honoured to be a part of. The song, an emotional tug of war between lovers, enmeshes two voices, which Kumar said Khalil was the perfect fit for.
While Fitrat is composed by Khalil, the song features lyrics by Pakistani poet and writer Ali Zaryoum and music arranged by a Mumbai-based producer Akshay Raheja.
Candlelight Concerts: AR Rahman
On April 23, Candlelight Concerts are paying homage to Indian musical maestro A.R. Rahman with an additional show in June.
The concert featuring the composer’s top hits is set to be a mesmerising musical experience that blends the magic of live orchestral performances with the intimate glow of candlelight.
Held at The Arts House, this event that has celebrated the work of artistes such as Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Queen to name a few, offers a unique and immersive atmosphere where Rahman’s iconic compositions will be reinterpreted by a talented ensemble of musicians.
Known for his groundbreaking film scores, this iteration of Rahman’s timeless body of work is bound to move you.
