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News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Dilip Kumar And Raj Kapoor's Historic Pakistan Homes To Be Turned Into Museums
Last Updated: The ancestral homes of Indian cinema legends Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar in Peshawar are being restored and converted into heritage museums. In the narrow, bustling lanes of Peshawar's Qissa Khwani Bazaar lie two ageing structures that once echoed with the footsteps of two boys who would grow up to become giants of Indian cinema. They were Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. Now, decades later, the ancestral homes of these screen legends are being given a new lease of life. The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially begun work to restore and convert these iconic properties into heritage museums, suggests reports. According to officials, the restoration project began on Monday and is expected to be completed over the next two years at an estimated cost of Rs 70 million. The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has been entrusted with bringing the homes back to their original form, carefully preserving the architecture that reflects early 20th-century colonial influences. 'The project's goal is to preserve our province's historical and cultural identity while also encouraging heritage tourism," said Dr Abdus Samad, Director of Archaeology. He added that the effort would also create job opportunities and support the local economy. The transformation is part of a broader initiative backed by the World Bank aimed at revitalising cultural landmarks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 'With the support of the World Bank, these projects will revolutionise the tourism sector in the province. Our aim is to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's beautiful cultural landmarks a focal point for tourists worldwide," said Zahid Khan Shinwari, the provincial government's Advisor for Tourism. The houses were officially declared national heritage sites by former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on July 13, 2014. Since then, there has been a growing call from cinema lovers and historians alike to protect and honour these properties. Once completed, the museums will be dedicated to showcasing the lives, legacies, and cinematic journeys of Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar — two towering figures whose influence helped define the golden era of Hindi cinema. First Published: July 29, 2025, 07:40 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's ancestral homes to turn into museums
In Pakistan's Peshawar city, officials have stated that the restoration and repair of the ancestral homes of renowned Indian actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor has begun on Monday. According to Dr. Abdus Samad, Director of Archaeology, the project is expected to be finished in two years at a cost of ₹70 million. Capital released to restore the aesthetics of these historic homes Funds for the project, which includes restoring the historic homes' strength and aesthetic appeal, have been provided by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. The work, which aims to return the buildings to their original state, has been assigned to the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Both buildings will be transformed into museums honoring the lives and careers of the renowned actors by the provincial Archaeology Department. On July 13, 2014, Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan at the time, designated these homes as a national heritage site. The ancestral residences of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor are situated in the ancient Qissa Khwani Bazaar in Peshawar, Pakistan. Constructed in the early 1900s, these iconic buildings recall the style of colonial architecture and have a strong connection to the early years of the renowned Bollywood actors. While India remembers Dilip Kumar as one of the best actors that India has ever seen, Kapoor is called the 'Showman'. Recently, Kapoor's 100th birth anniversary was also celebrated in the country where many of his iconic movies were re-released. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also spoken about this grand occasion and said, "Raj Kapoor's 100th birthday is an important milestone of India cinema's golden journey. It began with 1947's 'Neel Kamal' and we are on course to 2047. It is such a contribution to the country when we look back at this journey of 100 years," PM Modi said.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's ancestral homes in Pakistan to turn into heritage museums over next two years
The reconstruction and renovation work on the ancestral homes of legendary Indian actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor officially began in Pakistan's Peshawar city on Monday, according to officials. The project is set to be completed in two years at an estimated cost of ₹70 million, said Director of Archaeology Dr Abdus Samad. The project aims to restore the buildings and convert Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's homes into museums, promoting heritage tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the next two years. Funds released for aesthetic restoration of the historical residences The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government released the funds for the project, which includes structural and aesthetic restoration of the historical residences. The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has been tasked with overseeing the work, which aims to restore the buildings to their original condition. The provincial Archaeology Department has planned to convert both structures into museums dedicated to the lives and careers of the legendary actors. The then-Pakistani prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, declared these houses a national heritage site on 13 July 2014. The initiative to boost heritage tourism According to Dr Samad, the project's primary goal is to safeguard the province's historical and cultural heritage while promoting heritage tourism. This initiative will boost local tourism and create new employment opportunities, he said. "With the support of the World Bank, these projects will revolutionise the tourism sector in the province. Our aim is to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's beautiful cultural landmarks a focal point for tourists worldwide," said the provincial government's Advisor for Tourism Zahid Khan Shinwari. Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's ancestral homes are located in Peshawar, Pakistan, in the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar. These iconic structures, built in the early 20th century, reflect traditional colonial-era architecture and are deeply tied to the early lives of the legendary Bollywood actors. Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar are the biggest stalwarts of Hindi cinema who are revered for their timeless performances, influential films, and immense contributions to shaping Indian cinema's golden era.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Renovation work begins at Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoors houses in Pakistan
Peshawar, Jul 28 (PTI) The reconstruction and renovation work on the ancestral homes of legendary Indian actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor officially began in Pakistan's Peshawar city on Monday, according to officials. The project is set to be completed in two years at an estimated cost of Rs 70 million, said Director of Archaeology Dr Abdus Samad. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government released the funds for the project, which includes structural and aesthetic restoration of the historical residences. The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has been tasked with overseeing the work, which aims to restore the buildings to their original condition. The provincial Archaeology Department has planned to convert both structures into museums dedicated to the lives and careers of the legendary actors. The then-Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif declared these houses a national heritage site on July 13, 2014. According to Dr Samad, the primary goal of the project is to safeguard the province's historical and cultural heritage while promoting heritage tourism. This initiative will not only boost local tourism but also create new employment opportunities, he said. 'With the support of the World Bank, these projects will revolutionise the tourism sector in the province. Our aim is to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's beautiful cultural landmarks a focal point for tourists worldwide," said the provincial government's Advisor for Tourism Zahid Khan Shinwari. PTI AYZ GRS GRS GRS First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
After UNESCO recognition, Maharashtra to train locals as guides at Maratha Forts
Following the historic inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Government of Maharashtra is taking concrete steps to ensure that the recognition translates into long-term conservation, public engagement, and community involvement. One of the most significant initiatives now underway is the proposed certification programme to train local residents as heritage guides at the 12 inscribed forts. On July 11, 2025, 11 forts in Maharashtra —Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg—and one in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu—Gingee, have been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The proposal for this recognition was prepared by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra. These forts were selected for their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) under UNESCO's cultural criteria (iv) and (vi) and represent the military innovation, ecological adaptation, and architectural excellence of the Maratha Empire, particularly under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's vision of Swarajya. Criteria iv defines be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape, whereas criteria vi define, be directly or tangibly associated with events, traditions, ideas, beliefs, or artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. According to Hemant N. Dalavi, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums (DoAM), Government of Maharashtra, the next phase will focus on improving conservation, creating tourism amenities, developing site management plans, and launching public education programmes. A major part of this plan is to train and certify local residents as guides. 'It took us almost two years of executing and planning to pitch the names of these forts. We are proposing a guide certification programme for the local residents who have more knowledge of the area,' Mr. Dalavi said. 'The tourism department will announce this programme this year itself. We are still deciding on the minimum education qualification,' he added. The initiative aims to involve people living near the forts in tourism and heritage promotion, providing them with employment opportunities while also enhancing the visitor experience through locally rooted knowledge. These certified guides will be equipped to explain the historical, cultural, and strategic significance of each fort. In February 2025, a delegation led by Maharashtra Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar was present at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris for a technical presentation. Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Additional Chief Secretary, Culture Department, Government of Maharashtra along with Hemant Dalavi, Deputy Director, Directorate of Archaeology and Musuems, Government of Maharashtra were a part of the delegation. Mr. Kharge, who played a pivotal role in facilitating diplomatic engagements and coordinating international meetings with member countries, led the delegation during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris in July 2025. Dr. Tejas Garge, Director, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra, played a crucial role in the preparation of the nomination dossier. District collectors from Nashik, Raigad, Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg from Maharashtra and Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, played a significant role in the management of the forts under their jurisdiction, said Mr. Dalavi and emphasised that many of these forts are already open to tourists, but the UNESCO tag brings new responsibility. The State now plans to upgrade visitor facilities, improve site management, and conduct further excavation and public outreach activities, alongside the guide training programme. 'From the beginning we have worked with multiple stakeholders such as the local residents, NGOs working towards conservation of the historical forts,' he added. The listing process was a result of an elaborate and rigorous effort by the DoAM, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and DRONAH (Development and Research Organisation for Nature, Arts and Heritage), a Gurgaon-based heritage consultancy appointed by the State. Maharashtra has a complex network of over 390 forts which were surveyed, studied, and analysed. These forts were shortlisted down to 60 primary and secondary forts and further through comparative analysis of 29 primary forts, the current 12 anchor forts were shortlisted as best representative of the Maratha Defence Network. Additionally, 53 buffer forts—forts that were controlled by the Marathas but not included in the final inscription— were also documented and explained to UNESCO evaluators, Mr. Dalavi said. 'These buffer forts are spread across Maharashtra and include three in the buffer region of Gingee fort in Tamil Nadu. The forts in the buffer zone may be considered for inclusion in future extensions of the inscription. For example: buffer forts in Salher-Salota Fort, covers the primary defense lines around the property with northern front of Baglan range and Bhilai Fort on southern spur range. Mulher being the capital to its East, there are seven such forts in this premises: Dhamnya Fort, Nhavigad Fort, Tambolya Fort, Mangi-Tungi Fort, Mulher-Moragad Fort, Hargad Fort and Bhilai Fort.' Mr. Dalavi explained. Similarly, in Shivneri Fort, the buffer covers the Shivneri cluster with forts that majorly evolved due to the Nane Ghat trade route with ancient Junnar town; forming the network that surrounds the trade route till Shivneri and there are five such forts there: Chavand Fort, Jivdhan Fort, Bhairavgad Fort, Nimgiri Fort and Hadsar Fort. In Lohagad Fort, there are 10 buffer forts, in Khanderi Fort there are four, in Raigad and Rajgad Fort collectively have eight buffer forts, in Pratapgad Fort there are seven, in Suvarnadurg Fort there are three, Panhala-Pawangad Fort there is one Vishalgad Fort, Vijaydurg Fort has two, Sindhudurg Fort has three and Gingee Fort has three. 'The anchor forts were selected because they are major forts that played a crucial role in the Maratha Empire's history. The buffer forts are those close by, which were under the territory of the anchor forts,' Mr. Dalavi explained. The plan moving forward includes setting up tourist amenities, information centres, and conservation infrastructure, with various government departments involved in implementation, including local gram panchayats, municipal corporations, the forest department, and MRSAC (Maharashtra Remote Sensing Applications Centre). The guided training programme, Mr. Dalavi said, will be a key step in involving the local population in the heritage economy and conservation. The guides will not only help interpret the forts for visitors but also serve as crucial stakeholders in protecting and preserving them.
