Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's Peshawar homes in Pakistan set to become heritage museums

Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s historic homes in Peshawar to turn into museums under Rs 70 million restoration project.

Published: Monday,Jul 28, 2025 18:43 PM GMT-06:00

Anam Kazi

Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's Peshawar homes in Pak set to become heritage museums — Source: Google

The ancestral homes of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Pakistan’s Peshawar will soon be turned into heritage museums. Officials confirmed that restoration work has officially begun, with completion expected in the next two years. The project has received a budget of Rs 70 million from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

These homes, located in the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar, are known for their colonial-era architecture. Built in the early 20th century, they mark the early lives of two of Indian cinema’s most influential stars. The goal of this project is not just preservation, but to honour the legacy of the actors by turning the homes into museums dedicated to their life and work.

The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has been given charge of the renovation. Their focus is to bring the buildings back to their original structure, both in form and feel. This includes structural reinforcement and aesthetic detailing to maintain authenticity.

This initiative is part of a larger push to promote heritage tourism. Dr Abdus Samad, Director of Archaeology, stated that the plan will help preserve cultural heritage while generating new employment opportunities in the region. The provincial Archaeology Department sees this move as a step toward expanding local tourism potential.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had declared the houses national heritage sites on 13 July 2014. The current restoration project finally sets that declaration into action. Zahid Khan Shinwari, Advisor for Tourism to the provincial government, said the World Bank’s support has made the project stronger. “We want to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s historical landmarks a point of attraction for tourists around the world,” he said.

For fans and cinema lovers across borders, this development offers a rare opportunity to connect with the personal histories of two Hindi film stalwarts. Without grand celebrations or loud tributes, this restoration quietly preserves the roots of legends.