'People Have...': DKS Mispronounces Booker Prize Winner Deepa Bhasthi's Name, She Responds

Last Updated:June 02, 2025, 16:29 IST

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar mispronounced International Booker Prize winner Deepa Bhasthi's name at a ceremony but praised winners Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi.

While welcoming the guests, DKS said, "I extend warm welcome to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and guest Banu Mushta and Deepa Jasthi." (Image: X/@DKShivakumar)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar mispronounced International Booker Prize winner’s name on stage. This happened during the felicitation ceremony organized for Booker winners Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi.

Bringing embarrassment to his party, Shivakumar got Deepa Bhasthi’s name wrong multiple times as he invited her on stage.

The event, organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture, was also attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

After the Deputy CM called Deepa Bhasthi as Deepa’ Jasthi, the writer responded to him on stage, saying, “People have called it Jasthi, basti, basanthi etc. I am Deepa Bhasthi."

While welcoming the guests, DKS said, “I extend warm welcome to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and guest Banu Mushta and Deepa Jasthi."

Reacting to DKS’s greeting, Deepa Bhasthi said, “The other thing is, on social media and media etc my name has been called differently. People have called it Deepa jasthi, basti, basanthi. I an Deepa Bhasthi. Where I come from and background of it is not important."

Later, Shivakumar took to X to appreciated both the winners for their work.

In a post on X, DKS wrote, “I participated in and spoke at the felicitation ceremony of International Booker Prize winners Mrs. Banu Mushtaq and Mrs. Deepa Bhasti, organized by the Department of Kannada and Culture(sic.)"

Heaping praises on Banu and Bhashti, DKS further wrote in Kannada, “Mrs. Banu has saved Kannada by winning the Booker Prize for her Kannada work and has lit the light of Kannada to the world. I am proud that Mrs. Deepa, who has done the translation, has become a blessing to the country. The two achievers have brought honor to Karnataka beyond the seven oceans."

“Everyone’s language and culture are important. Heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Banu Mushtaq and Mrs. Deepa Bhasti for enhancing the respect of our language and country. I respectfully announce Rs. 10 lakh each from the government to them," he further wrote in Kannada.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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