Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s Ancestral Homes in Pakistan to Be Turned Into Heritage Museums

Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s ancestral homes in Peshawar’s Qissa Khwani Bazaar are officially being restored and renovated. As per many reports, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially begun work to restore and convert these iconic properties into heritage museums. This marks an incredible step towards honouring the legends and making sure their legacies live on.

For those unaware, the houses were declared as national heritage sites by former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, on July 13, 2014. Now after the restoration, the museums will be dedicated to showcasing the early lives and careers in cinema of Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar.

Officials have noted that the restoration project officially began on Monday. Interestingly, the huge project is expected to be completed over the next two years. The estimated cost for the project lies at Rs 70 million. The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums is helping bring back the homes in their original states. They are carefully trying to preserve the architecture that thoroughly reflects early 20th century colonial influences.

According to Dr Abdus Samad, Director of Archaeology, the project will aim at increasing tourism as well. “The project’s goal is to preserve our province’s historical and cultural identity while also encouraging heritage tourism,” he added. The restoration project will also help create immense job opportunities and boost the local economy.

Interestingly, the restoration project is also a part of World Bank aiming at revitalising cultural landmarks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Zahid Khan Shinwari, the provincial government’s Advisor for Tourism opened up about World Bank’s support for the project. “With the support of the World Bank, these projects will revolutionise the tourism sector in the province. Our aim is to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s beautiful cultural landmarks a focal point for tourists worldwide,” he noted.

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