The ancestral residences of legendary actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Peshawar are facing the threat of collapse as years of neglect and recent weather damage continue to weaken the historic buildings.
Situated in the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar area, both properties were declared national heritage sites in 2016. However, heritage experts and conservation activists say the century-old structures have now reached a critical condition.
The Kapoor Haveli in Dhaki Nalbandi, associated with the Kapoor family’s early history, has suffered extensive visible damage. Sections of the roof have collapsed, while deep cracks have spread across the building’s walls.
Meanwhile, the ancestral house linked to Dilip Kumar in Mohallah Khudadad has also deteriorated significantly, with parts of the structure already reduced to rubble following prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions.
According to heritage campaigners, heavy rainfall and earthquake tremors earlier this year accelerated the decay of both sites. Concerns have now intensified ahead of the upcoming monsoon season, which experts fear could further destabilise the fragile buildings.
The properties were once regarded as important architectural and cultural landmarks in the city. Conservation advocates say the current condition reflects years of administrative delays and lack of maintenance.
Although authorities previously announced plans to acquire the houses and convert them into museums, little restoration work has been carried out on site. Funding approvals were reportedly granted in recent years, but implementation of the preservation projects has remained stalled.
Residents and heritage activists have urged officials to begin immediate conservation efforts, warning that continued inaction could result in the permanent loss of two historically significant sites linked to the legacy of South Asian cinema.
The Kapoor Haveli, built in the early 20th century, is closely associated with Prithviraj Kapoor and later generations of the Kapoor family, who went on to become one of the most influential dynasties in Indian cinema.
