The fate of two iconic ancestral homes in Peshawar, once belonging to legendary Indian actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, hangs in the balance. These historic landmarks, declared national heritage sites by the Pakistani government in 2016, are now at risk of collapse due to neglect and natural disasters.
The century-old Kapoor Haveli, located in the Qissa Khwani Bazar neighborhood, has suffered significant structural damage from continuous rains and tremors. Similarly, Dilip Kumar's ancestral home, a once-vibrant Peshawari building, now resembles a deserted ruin with crumbling walls and collapsed roofs.
Shakil Waheedullah, secretary of the Cultural Heritage Council, KPK, highlights the government's abandonment of these historical landmarks, despite their rapid deterioration. In 2021-22, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government approved funds for the purchase and conversion of these houses into museums, but progress has been non-existent over the past five years.
"The government's lack of funds and resources is hindering preservation efforts," a provincial government official stated anonymously. This inaction has left residents and heritage activists calling for urgent restoration, fearing a potential disaster.
Abid Hussain, who runs a business near Raj Kapoor's haveli, expressed grave concerns about the building's stability, citing heavy rains and strong earthquake tremors as major threats.
The Kapoor Haveli holds a special place in the history of Indian cinema, as it was the birthplace of Prithviraj Kapoor, the first member of the Kapoor clan to enter the film industry. Built between 1918 and 1922 by Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor, this haveli witnessed the early lives of Raj Kapoor and his uncle Trilok Kapoor.
In my opinion, the potential loss of these ancestral homes is not just a matter of architectural preservation but also a cultural tragedy. These buildings are not just structures; they are living testaments to the rich history and legacy of Indian cinema. Their deterioration and potential collapse symbolize a broader neglect of our cultural heritage and the urgent need for preservation efforts.
What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the contrast between the vibrant lives these buildings once held and their current state of decay. It raises a deeper question about our collective responsibility to honor and protect the legacies of those who have shaped our cultural landscape.
As we reflect on the potential loss of these ancestral homes, it is essential to recognize the broader implications. The neglect of these landmarks is a reminder of the fragility of our cultural heritage and the urgent need for proactive preservation efforts. It is a call to action for governments, communities, and individuals to prioritize the protection and celebration of our shared history.
