Bollywood stars’ houses to be conserved

Left dilapidated for years and lost in oblivion, ancestral homes of legendary actors Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar are among the 15 historical sites recently identified for restoration by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government.

Located in Mohalla Khudadad near the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Kumar’s residence was declared protected heritage by the Directorate of Archaeology and Tourism in 2013 and later a protected monument, under the Antiquity Act 1997. Whereas, Kapoor Haveli in Mohallah Dhaki Munawar Shah, inside the walled city, was also said to be converted into a museum by end of the year 2012. Almost eight years later, both historic residences despite the status granted to them, have existed in a dismal state and no restoration or preservation efforts have been made. Much of this delay has been previously cited to stem from lack of funds and legalities surrounding buildings’ ownership.

However, as per archaeology department’s latest recommendation forwarded to K-P Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, the two historic buildings are to be bought by the provincial government and set for restoration work. “The buildings’ ownership had been a long-standing hurdle in the way of their restoration. Certain individuals had claimed their right over the historic properties and there had also been attempted demolitions in the past. But now that the Directorate of Archaeology and Tourism has decided to buy the building and start the long overdue renovation work, the buildings are also expected to open their doors to tourists in the near future,” informed an archaeology department source privy to the development.

According to Directorate of Archaeology Director Dr Abdul Samad, the two houses although owned privately hold great historic value, which is why the government has decided to take them under their wing and preserve their heritage.

As per the director, his department has allocated over Rs 50 million for the repair and restoration of some 13 historic buildings, other than the said houses of veteran Bollywood actors. “Other than this, restoration work at Peshawar’s ancient Mahabat Khan Mosque is already underway,” the director told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2020.