Historical sites: Raj Kapoor’s haveli awaits govt’s attention
While the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has declared Bollywood superstar Dilip Kumar’s house in old Peshawar city a national heritage, the haveli of another Bollywood legend, Raj Kapoor, still awaits the government’s attention. The house of actor Shahrukh Khan, in Shah Wali Qatal area, also lies in neglect.
The ‘Kapoor House’ is one of the most imposing buildings in the old city, situated in Mohallah Dhaki Munawar Shah, inside the Asamai gate and can be accessed through the narrow streets of the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar.
The arched wooden windows and gates of the house, etched with beautiful floral and geometric designs, represent the city’s old architecture, which has almost disappeared except for a few houses situated inside the walled city.
Raj Kapoor, known as ‘the show man’ of the Indian film industry, was born here on December 14, 1929. The son of Prithviraj Kapoor, a famous actor and the patriarch of the Kapoor family, Raj was a contemporary of Dilip Kumar and one of the greatest actors and directors of his time.
Over the last few years, several attempts were made to procure the Kapoor residence, and Shaikh Amjid, the chairman of IMGC Global entertainment, asked the K-P government to purchase the house to set up a museum here. However, the provincial government refused the request, saying any group interested in the house must collaborate with the government.
However, in spite of the historic significance of the house, neither the federal nor the K-P government has taken any steps towards preserving the building. In 2005, an earthquake affected the upper portion of the house.
“Raj Kapoor’s house in Peshawar is not in its original condition [anymore]… it has been modified by different owners,” an official of the culture department told The Express Tribune.
He said the previous government had given the provincial culture department the authority to look after the houses of Bollywood legends situated in Peshawar, despite the fact that these buildings come under the ambit of the archaeology department.
“They were given the authority as these houses belonged to cultural figures; however, they never understand the historical importance of the buildings,” the official, who wished not to be named, added. He said the previous government and cultural department were not too interested in purchasing the haveli.
Following the appointment of a new director at the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, the house comes under the charge of Director Dr Abdul Samad.
Under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Antiquities Act of 1997 and the Land Acquisition Act of 1985, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has the authority to declare any building government property and a protected site. At that point, the owner of the building loses the rights to modify the structure in any way.
The department then asks the K-P Revenue and Estate department to assess the current market value of the property, which is paid to the owner of the building.
“We have initiated a process and asked the provincial revenue department to provide us the necessary data,” Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Archaeology and Museum Director Dr Abdul Samad told The Express Tribune.
Earlier in July, Samad said the Kumar and Kapoor residences will be declared heritage sites and conservation work started, after the revenue department completed formalities.
However, a contender for Dilip Kumar’s house, came forward to challenge the decision to convert the acting legend’s house into a heritage site. This case is still pending in the high court. Samad said the K-P government earlier declared the house of Dilip Kumar a national heritage site and its conservation work would begin soon. “Raj Kapoor’s house will also be declared a national heritage site soon,” he added.
He acknowledged that several changes had been made in the building over the decades as the owners did not understand the archaeological and historical values of the building. “But it does not mean that the department will give up this historical site,” he said. “The provincial government will not sit in peace until it takes possession of all the houses of Bollywood legends in the city,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2014.
COMMENTS (5)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1731916090-0/sabrina-(3)1731916090-0-165x106.webp "article")
Here terrorists blows the house of our founder and father of the nation and we are worried about Bollywood. There are more enough heritages to preserve but we find something which is always useless to us.
@Asif Khan: unfortunately its because of people like u, we never move forward or progress and remain a backward nation. By restoring these houses, the province can make them into tourist spots and earn hefty revenues. Pls look around all over the world and u will see nations turning iconic structures into a museums or historical sites and charging a pretty decent amout of money as entrance fees. Of course, before that the political situation has to improve and people need not fear visiting peshawar ... Its a long drawn out process that will take yeaaaars, which is definitely not going to be helped by narrow minded people like you.
Why should the NWFP Govt. take care of Shahrukh Khan and Dilip Kumar's houses? what benefit they do to Pakistan. What have these two actors done for Pakistan? they have everything for India so why should a provincial Govt. i Pakistan take care or even glorify actors who serve a hostile country even though they are Muslims? I mean no Indian actor or actress ever works in Pakistan. Taking care of Raj Kapoor's house makes sense but I believe Muslim Talent who migrate to India from Pakistan serve a hostile entity that is bent upon destroying Pakistan is a serious issue and must not be taken lightly. Long live Pakistan.
It is admirable that Dr Abdul Samad is taking keen interest in the preservation of Kumar and Kapoor residences. Yes, it is the heritage of Peshawar and K-P but I would like to see Indian counterpart also take some interests in these dilapidated buildings. As I understand it, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor both had large financial assets and could pitch in some financial responsibility for renovating and stabilizing the two structures. I read in this paper while back that Saira Bano, the wife of Dilip Kumar and grand children of Raj Kapoor were willing to help to restore these historic buildings. It is time that Dr.Abdul Samad take a trip to India and meet the concerned people personally and brief them about his efforts and thought to acquire Raj Kapoor's property and encourage them to visit the sites and help out as much as they can. There is absolutely no shame or embarrassment in asking these relatives of Kumar and Kapoor. By the way Prithviraj Kapoor's picture could be seen in the archives of Edwards College Peshawar when he was student there, my late uncle had one and that is where I saw it.