World Bank steps in to preserve houses of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor

PESHAWAR: After the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government failed to provide the necessary funds, the World Bank has stepped in to finance the restoration of historic houses of legendary actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Peshawar. This initiative aims to preserve these houses as cultural heritage sites, recognising their significant historical value as the birthplace of two iconic figures of the subcontinent.

In 2020, the provincial government announced the restoration of the two houses as historical heritage, but the provincial government could not provide funds. With the World Bank’s financial support, it is expected that they will be restored and opened to tourists, promoting cultural preservation.

Abdul Samad, Director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums KP, told The News that the World Bank’s involvement marks a significant milestone in preserving the heritage of Peshawar’s legends. The bank will finance the project under the KP Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE). “The World Bank’s decision to fund the restoration marks a turning point. With this financial support, efforts to restore these homes to their former glory can finally begin. Once completed, these sites will not only preserve the legacy of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor but also serve as cultural bridges, celebrating the shared history of Pakistan and India,” he said. He added that the restoration would open these houses to tourists and film enthusiasts, providing Peshawar an opportunity to shine on the global stage. This project is a step forward in preserving history, promoting cultural ties and honouring the artistic contributions of two individuals whose roots lie in this historic city.

Peshawar, a city steeped in history, is home to the ancestral houses of Indian cinema legends Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor. Located in the heart of the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar, they are not only architectural gems but also enduring symbols of shared cultural heritage between Pakistan and India. Despite being declared national heritage sites by the KP government, their preservation has remained a distant dream — until now.

Dilip Kumar’s house, located in Mohalla Khudadad, was built in the early 20th century by his father, Lala Ghulam Sarwar, a fruit merchant. The two-story structure, with its wooden balconies and traditional architectural style, reflects the cultural identity of Peshawar during that era. Dilip Kumar, born Yusuf Khan in 1922, spent his early years in this home before his family moved to India. Although the house is now in a state of disrepair, it remains a tangible connection to the life of the legendary actor who redefined the Indian cinema. The house was declared a national heritage monument by then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on July 13, 2014. After gaining ownership, the KP government announced plans for its conservation and renovation, along with that of Raj Kapoor’s residence. The ownership of both houses was transferred to KP’s Archaeology and Museum Department, and in 2020, the government decided to convert them into museums. The Peshawar Deputy Commissioner had valued Dilip Kumar’s house, consisting of four marlas, at Rs8.56 million.

A short distance away lies Kapoor Haveli, the ancestral home of Raj Kapoor. Built by his grandfather, Dewan Basheshwarnath Kapoor, this magnificent haveli features intricate wooden carvings, spacious courtyards, and colonial-era design. Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor’s father, spent his formative years here before embarking on a journey that would establish the Kapoor family as Bollywood royalty. The price of Kapoor Haveli, consisting of six marlas, was set at Rs15 million. It is located in Dhaki Dalgaran, another historic area of Peshawar.