The ancestral homes of legendary Indian actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Peshawar could collapse at any time, heritage experts and locals warned on Sunday. The buildings, already battered by rain, became more vulnerable after a recent earthquake in Pakistan.
Heritage Status and Neglect
Both houses, located in the capital city of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, were declared national heritage by the government of Pakistan in 2016. However, with pre-monsoon showers and the rainy season just weeks away, experts have drawn the government's attention to the neglected condition of the structures and demanded immediate preservation.
Kapoor Haveli's Deterioration
Once an architectural jewel of Peshawar, the century-old Kapoor Haveli in Dhaki Nalbandi of Qissa Khwani Bazar neighborhood suffered structural damage after continuous rains weakened the building. Tremors on April 3 further destabilized its already dilapidated structure. The haveli was home to Prithviraj Kapoor, the first member of the Kapoor film dynasty. It was built by his father, Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor, between 1918 and 1922, and both Raj Kapoor and his uncle Trilok Kapoor were born there.
Dilip Kumar's House in Ruins
Dilip Kumar's house, a typical Peshawari building that once echoed with life and festivity, now resembles a deserted ruin. Located in the Mohallah Khudadad area, the building is in an alarming state. The roofs of several rooms have already caved in, and walls continue to crumble into debris with every rainfall.
Government Inaction Despite Funds Allocation
Shakil Waheedullah, secretary of the non-profit Cultural Heritage Council KPK, told PTI that the government has abandoned the historical landmarks instead of preserving them, leading to rapid deterioration. In 2021-22, the KPK government approved the release of PKR 2.35 crore to purchase both ancestral houses and directed that they be converted into museums by the Archaeology Department after procurement. In July 2025, the provincial government approved PKR 33.8 million for restoration and conservation. However, there has been no progress in over five years since the initial decision.
A provincial government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the government cannot carry out preservation work due to a lack of funds and resources. He added that the government is serious about converting both heritage buildings into museums named after Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. Residents and heritage activists stressed that the houses need urgent restoration efforts rather than mere official statements.
Local Concerns
Abid Hussain, who runs a printing shop next to Raj Kapoor's haveli, expressed concerns over the dilapidated condition of the building. He noted that heavy rains and strong earthquake tremors in recent months have severely weakened the structure, leaving deep cracks in its walls and foundations that could trigger a major accident at any moment.
