International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq said that there were lots of similarities between Mysuru and London, and she did not perceive too many differences at all.

Speaking at the Mysuru Literature Festival 2025 here on Saturday, Ms. Mushtaq, alluding to her recent visits to London after being awarded the coveted Booker award, said that both are cultural cities and have the same vibes.

“When I returned from London to Mysuru, I found more similarities like broad avenues, greenery, palaces and heritage buildings, vibrant culture, theatre activity, etc.,” she said.

London is a cultural hub, and people flock to book festivals. Mysuru too has a similar culture, said the writer, pointing out to the commonalty that connects people of different regions.

Ms. Mushtaq referred to a visit to the country side in the U.K. for a book festival and closed her eyes for some time to soak in the ambience. “But when I opened my eyes, the landscape was such that I could immediately equate it with either Sakleshpur in Hassan or Madikeri in Kodagu,” she said.

The literature festival was organised by the Mysuru Literary Forum Charitable Trust and Mysuru Book Clubs Charitable Trust.

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