The long-neglected ancestral homes of Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Peshawar’s historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar are finally set to be preserved and restored, as part of a major cultural heritage plan announced by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

 

Approved under the World Bank-funded Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development (KITE) project, the province will spend a total of Rs1.04 billion on conserving heritage sites and promoting heritage tourism. Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur approved the wide-ranging projects during a high-level meeting this week.

 

A sum of Rs33.8 million has been allocated for the restoration of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s ancestral homes. Despite being declared heritage properties, these historic houses have remained in a state of disrepair for decades, drawing criticism from activists and the local community. 

 

Dilip Kumar, born as Yusuf Khan in 1922, and Raj Kapoor, born in 1924, spent their early childhoods in Peshawar before moving to India after Partition. Both went on to become icons of South Asian cinema and always spoke fondly of their roots.

 

The larger plan includes Rs295 million for upgrading museums across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, focusing on better display systems, conservation labs, visitor facilities and security measures to protect valuable artefacts and improve the educational experience.

 

Several key archaeological sites will also benefit. The Baho Dheri site in Swabi District has been allocated Rs45 million, while Rs40 million will go towards conservation at Ranigat in Buner District, another major Gandharan site. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Takht Bhai Buddhist monastery in Mardan will receive Rs30 million for preservation and infrastructure improvements.

 

Development of the Guli Bagh site in Mansehra District has been approved with a budget of Rs35 million. In Dera Ismail Khan, Koh-e-Sulaiman will receive Rs155 million and the Sheikh Badin archaeological site has been allocated Rs190 million for preservation work.

 

Additionally, Rs220.59 million will be spent on strengthening security and protective infrastructure at major heritage and archaeological sites across the province to prevent encroachment, vandalism and unauthorised access.

 

Officials believe these long-awaited steps will not only protect priceless cultural landmarks but also help boost heritage tourism, generating economic activity and opportunities for local communities.