Dilip Kumar & Raj Kapoor’s Homes in Pak to be Turned into Museums
The world of cinema has a way of transcending borders and languages, and two of Indian cinema’s most iconic legends, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans across the globe. From their on-screen performances to their off-screen lives, these two stalwarts of Bollywood have been an integral part of Indian cinematic history. Now, in a move that is set to preserve their legacy and provide a unique cultural experience for tourists, the ancestral homes of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Peshawar, Pakistan, will be renovated and turned into museums.
According to a recent announcement by the Director of Archaeology Dr Abdul Samad, the construction of these museums will take place over the course of two years, with an estimated cost of ₹7 crore. This ambitious project is being undertaken by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, with the aim of transforming these cultural landmarks into focal points for tourists.
The ancestral home of Dilip Kumar, known as the ‘Pataudi House’, is a 19th-century structure that has been a part of the family’s history for generations. The house was built by Dilip Kumar’s great-grandfather, Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, and has been home to the legendary actor’s family for over a century. Similarly, the ancestral home of Raj Kapoor, known as the ‘Kapoor Haveli’, is a beautiful example of traditional Pakistani architecture, with intricate stone carvings and ornate decorations. Both homes have played a significant role in the lives of these two cinematic giants, and their transformation into museums is set to provide a unique glimpse into their lives and careers.
The decision to turn these ancestral homes into museums is seen as a major step towards preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is keen to promote tourism in the region, and these museums are expected to attract visitors from all over the world. The museums will feature exhibits on the lives and careers of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, including their films, photographs, and memorabilia. Visitors will also be able to see the homes themselves, which will be restored to their original glory, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of these two cinematic legends.
The renovation of these ancestral homes is not just about turning them into museums, but also about preserving the cultural and historical significance of these structures. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is working closely with local experts and architects to ensure that the restoration process is carried out with sensitivity and care. The goal is to create a museum that not only showcases the lives of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, but also provides a sense of what life was like in Peshawar during the early 20th century.
The project is also seen as a symbol of peace and cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. Despite the political tensions between the two nations, the shared cultural heritage of Bollywood and Pakistani cinema is something that transcends borders. The renovation of these ancestral homes is a testament to the fact that, even in difficult times, cultural exchange and understanding can bring people together.
The news of the renovation of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s ancestral homes into museums has been met with widespread enthusiasm from fans and cinephiles across the globe. The project is seen as a major step towards preserving the cultural heritage of Pakistani cinema, and providing a unique cultural experience for tourists. As the construction gets underway, fans of these two legendary actors are eagerly awaiting the day when they can visit these museums and pay their respects to the lives and careers of these two cinematic giants.
