he restoration of the houses of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Peshawar is back in the news, as the funds sanctioned for the project have reportedly been released.

Although there have long been gestures and good intentions regarding the cultural heritage of Peshawar – home to some of the most celebrated performers with immense following – it was during the 1990s, under the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, that significant attention was drawn to this legacy. At that time, the government decided to confer a civilian award on Dilip Kumar, which brought renewed focus to Peshawar’s cultural ancestry.

This initiative also re-ignited discussions about the properties associated with these iconic film stars and the need for their restoration. However, it was not until the tenure of the Awami National Party government in the 2010s that concrete steps were taken to restore the homes of these legendary figures, marking them as symbols of pride for the city.

This tangible action, going beyond mere lip service, served as a meaningful way to honour the legacy of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, and to celebrate their connection to Peshawar.

News about the properties of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor surfaces every now and then, but much of the work has remained confined to official files or progressed painfully slowly, hindered by both deliberate and unintentional obstacles. However, it is hoped that this time the restoration work will begin, resume without delay and continue until the project is fully completed.

It is well known that Prithviraj Kapoor ran away from his home in Peshawar with the help of his paternal aunt, as he aspired to be an actor – a career path his family would never have approved of. Fortunately, his gamble paid off, and his success led the entire family to relocate to Bombay (now Mumbai), where they established a dynasty that is now in its fifth generation of successful involvement in the entertainment industry.

Dilip Kumar’s family, on the other hand, had already moved to Bombay to expand their fruit and dry fruit business. Unlike Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar did not actively pursue a career in films but was discovered by Devika Rani, who launched him into stardom.

It is well understood that there is too much bad blood between the two states, but there is no harm in holding onto hope.

Dilip Kumar’s father had teased the Kapoor family about making money from a profession that was once considered disreputable – until he faced the unsettling prospect of his own son entering the same profession. Dilip Kumar had joined the film industry in secret, fully aware that his family would not approve of it. The secret was eventually revealed to his father by the Kapoors.

Dilip Kumar visited Pakistan twice and made a point of visiting his ancestral home. In contrast, Prithviraj and Raj Kapoor never returned to Peshawar. It was much later that Randhir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor visited the city, likely while making or planning the film Henna.

India-Pakistan relations are currently at their lowest ebb. Any mention of goodwill or normalcy can easily be misread or misinterpreted by those waiting for an opportunity to do so. However, taking the restoration of the houses of individuals who have made significant contributions on either side as a policy initiative would be a meaningful and positive gesture.

It is known that Shah Rukh Khan’s family moved to Delhi from Peshawar in the 1940s. Some of his cousins still reside in the city. Similarly, many renowned personalities from both sides of the border were born in areas that now belong to the other country.

Inviting families from both sides to witness such noble efforts would further underscore the goodwill. Stories abound of individuals visiting their ancestral homes. Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, for example, once recalled how he had visited his village, Sham Chaurasi, only to find the residents of his former house wary and sceptical, fearing he might reclaim the property. However, he noted that most people were welcoming.

It is well understood that there is too much bad blood between the two states currently and that this may remain an unfulfilled wish. Nevertheless, there is no harm in holding onto hope.

The writer is a culture critic based in Lahore.