Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s ancestral homes in Pakistan to be turned into museums

The ancestral homes of Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor are getting a major facelift in Peshawar, Pakistan.

After years of planning, the restoration work officially started this Monday. The aim? To bring these iconic homes back to life and honour the legacy of two of Indian cinema’s greatest stars.

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Located in the famous Qissa Khwani Bazaar in Peshawar, both houses are over a century old and rich in colonial-era charm. They are deeply connected to the early lives of Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, who went on to become giants of Hindi cinema.

Now, these homes will soon become museums celebrating their journey and contributions to the world of films.

Dr Abdus Samad, Director of Archaeology, shared that the project will take about two years to complete. It will cost around ₹70 million (Pakistani Rupees) and has full support from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

The province’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums will manage the project and ensure the structures are restored to their original design.

“This isn’t just about repairing buildings,” said Dr Samad. “It’s about protecting our cultural roots and celebrating the shared history of the subcontinent.” He added that these museums will offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, their childhood memories, achievements, and cinematic milestones.

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The idea of turning these homes into heritage sites dates back to 2014 when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif officially declared them national heritage properties. Since then, the government has been working on plans to restore and preserve them.

Zahid Khan Shinwari, an advisor to the provincial government for tourism, spoke about the broader vision. He said the project is part of a larger push to promote heritage tourism in the region.

“With support from the World Bank, we are confident this will bring a major boost to tourism and create jobs for locals,” he said.

Both actors were pioneers of Indian cinema and helped define its golden era. Their performances, dedication, and storytelling left a lasting impact, not just in India but across borders.