Dilip Kumar & Raj Kapoor’s Homes in Pak to be turned into Museums
The legacy of two Indian cinema legends, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, is set to be preserved and showcased in their ancestral homes in Peshawar, Pakistan. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced plans to renovate and turn these iconic homes into museums, a move that is expected to become a major tourist attraction and cultural landmark.
According to Dr. Abdul Samad, Director of Archaeology, the construction of the museums will take place over the next two years and will have an estimated cost of ₹7 crore. This ambitious project aims to transform the humble abodes of these Bollywood icons into heritage museums, providing a unique glimpse into the lives and careers of two of India’s most beloved actors.
Dilip Kumar’s ancestral home, located in Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, has been a subject of fascination for fans and film enthusiasts alike. Born as Muhammad Yusuf Khan, Dilip Kumar, the “Tragedy King” of Bollywood, was known for his powerful performances and iconic films like “Andaz”, “Mughal-e-Azam”, and “Ganga Jamuna”. His home, now over 100 years old, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region and would serve as a fitting tribute to the legend’s remarkable career.
Similarly, Raj Kapoor’s ancestral home, situated in Pashtoon Chowk, Peshawar, has been a significant landmark in the city. Born as Ranbir Raj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, the “Showman” of Bollywood, was a renowned director, actor, and producer who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with films like “Awara”, “Shree 420”, “Mera Naam Joker”, and “Bobby”. His home, now over 80 years old, is a reflection of the Kapoor family’s rich cultural heritage and would serve as a fitting tribute to the legend’s remarkable career.
The decision to turn these homes into museums is a significant step forward in preserving the cultural heritage of the region and promoting tourism. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is keen to capitalize on the existing cultural landmarks and turn them into focal points for tourists, providing a unique experience that showcases the region’s rich history and cultural diversity.
The project is expected to attract a significant number of tourists, not only from Pakistan but also from India and around the world. Fans of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor would flock to these museums to get a glimpse into the lives of these Bollywood legends and learn about their remarkable careers. The museums would also provide a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region, which has been shaped by the interactions and influences of different cultures over the centuries.
The renovation of these homes into museums is expected to be a complex and challenging task, requiring careful conservation and restoration work to preserve the original architecture and ambiance of the buildings. The project will also involve the creation of exhibits and displays that showcase the lives and careers of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, including memorabilia, photographs, and film posters.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has already started the process of acquiring the necessary permissions and approvals for the project. The Director of Archaeology, Dr. Abdul Samad, has confirmed that the government has already begun the process of acquiring the necessary permissions and approvals for the project, which is expected to be completed within the next two years.
The decision to turn the ancestral homes of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor into museums is a significant step forward in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between India and Pakistan. The project has the potential to become a symbol of peace and friendship between the two nations, providing a unique opportunity for fans and film enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In conclusion, the renovation of Dilip Kumar’s and Raj Kapoor’s ancestral homes in Peshawar, Pakistan, into museums is a significant step forward in preserving the cultural heritage of the region and promoting tourism. The project has the potential to become a major tourist attraction and cultural landmark, providing a unique glimpse into the lives and careers of two of India’s most beloved actors. As the project gets underway, fans and film enthusiasts around the world can look forward to a fascinating journey into the lives of these Bollywood legends and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
