Writer, Activist and Lawyer
Banu Mushtaq was born and brought up in Hassan, Karnataka. She began her literary journey in the 1970s, becoming a strong voice in Kannada literature with stories and poems focusing on women and marginalized communities. Alongside her writing, she trained and worked as a lawyer, practicing for over 30 years in Hassan.Her early work gained recognition within the Bandaya (protest) literary movement. In 1999, she received the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award for her contributions to literature. She was honoured with the Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2023, one of the state’s highest honors recognizing her outstanding service to Kannada literature and culture. In 2024, she received the prestigious Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award, given to distinguished women writers in Karnataka.Her story Karinaagaragalu inspired the Kannada film Haseena, directed by Girish Kasaravalli, which won the Golden Lotus National Award and was screened internationally. Another of her stories was adapted into a radio play, which won an International Women’s Award for Radio and Television. Banu Mushtaq has authored many short-story collections, novels, poetry anthologies, and essays, including Namage Nammavaru Illa and Haseena Mattu Itara Kathegalu.Between 2020 and 2025, her international acclaim grew. In 2024, the English translation of her stories won the PEN Translates Award. Then in 2025, her translated collection Heart Lamp, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, won the International Booker Prize — the first Kannada work to win this prestigious award.Banu Mushtaq has served on literary bodies such as the Karnataka Sahitya Academy, the Central Sahitya Academy, and as State Secretary of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad. The Karnataka State Information and Publicity Department also produced a documentary on her life and achievements.She continues to live and practice law in Hassan, where she remains committed to advocating for women’s rights and social justice through both her writing and legal work.
Banu Mushtaq in conversation with Shoaib Daniyal
What is the festival all about?
IFP is a multi-staged creativity & culture festival that happens across two days with more than 180+ prominent creators from Films & OTT, Digital, Literature & Writing, Music, Design & Art, Storytelling, Audio & Podcasting, Photography, Tech & Gaming, Comedy, Culture, Advertising and Performing arts who will participate in various Conversations, Panels, Workshops, Masterclasses, Live Performances, and AMAs.
Are there any hidden charges?
No, only GST will be levied on the tickets as per the government’s rules and regulations.
When and where is the festival happening?
The festival is scheduled to take place on-ground in Mumbai on December 6th & 7th, 2025.
Is the festival accessible for People of Determination?
Yes, IFP is an all-inclusive and accessible festival. We will be tying up with an accessibility management agency to ensure the same.
Can I attend all the sessions?
Yes, you will have access to all the sessions taking place across all 2 days. However Stage entry and seating will be on a first come first serve basis.
Where can I buy tickets?
The tickets are available on all the major Ticketing Platforms and on IFP’s Website. Click here to buy the tickets.
Will there be an award ceremony for the challenges?
Yes, the winners of all the challenges of IFP will be awarded during the festival. Kindly check the schedule regarding the same.
What will be the timings of the festival?
The first session on October 12 & 13, 2024 (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) will start at 10am and the last session will end at 9pm.
I’m a member of the media? How do I make arrangements for a media pass?
You can fill-up the form with relevant details and request for media invite.
Wow, there are lots of artists taking sessions! Will I get to personally interact with them?
There is no guarantee, however, you could plan for the questions you would want to ask in the event and if you are lucky, you will get an opportunity to ask them.
Will there be food at the venue?
Yes, there will be a food zone at the festival.
Will there be parking at the venue?
No, there will be no parking available at the venue.
Is there any age limit/rule?
No. The festival is open to all ages.
How do I become a Sponsor?
Please mail us at ritam@ifp.world
What is your ticket policy?
Tickets are purchased online through our (platform) and on-ground on festival days. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
What are some of the general measures that ensure safety in all forms at the festival?
Harassment, abuse , stalking, threatening or defaming/ violating any rights (right to privacy and publicity) is not allowed and will be taken seriously. Attendees are not allowed to carry any harmful substances, weapons or arms of any kind.